Art Therapist
Title: Art Therapist for Project Impact program, various media
Classification: Contractual
WHO WE ARE: SkyART is a permanent fixture in the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago's South and West Side communities. Founded in 2001, with creativity at the center of everything we do, SkyART provides free, safe, open spaces where people are empowered and connections are made. SkyART continues to fulfill its mission from our flagship studio in South Chicago and beyond, reaching young people through three pillar programs: SkyWAY, for ages 7-13; Project 3rd Space, for ages 14-24 and Project Impact, our art therapy program. In 2020 SkyART announced an expansion to Chicago’s West Side and began providing school programs in Austin, Garfield Park and Humboldt Park. In 2024 we purchased a 7,500 sq ft building in Garfield Park for SkyART West, our second permanent location. Driving our mission is a deep understanding of the transformative power of art and its capacity to enhance intellectual, emotional and social development.
WHO WE SERVE: The communities where SkyART works and the young people we serve exemplify the resilience and the beautiful diversity of our city. Our free programs are open and accessible to youth from communities that have been impacted by historic marginalization, generational trauma and systemic racism, and who may lack access to cultural programming that affirms their identity and places them front and center as creators of their own futures. The majority of Black and Brown youth we serve are impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which can negatively impact their ability to be successful in relationships, school, higher education or the workplace. Many are directly impacted by violence, incarceration and/or the foster care system. For all these reasons, SkyART prioritizes the wellbeing and healing of our participants using art as a platform for self exploration, reflection and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
HOW YOU CONTRIBUTE
It takes a team of extraordinary staff, teaching artists and art therapists to run SkyART, and we are looking for extraordinary individuals to help propel our growth into the future. We expect
that all staff, from contractors to the Executive Director, practice everyday leadership and participate in both small scale and big picture thinking about the impact of our work. We expect that each individual contributes to creating an environment where we can show up as our whole self — centering young people as the driving force behind what we do — and where the diversity of individual lived experiences and cultures adds to the richness of our programs. Original ideas and critical thinking are required. We dive into the complexities and nuances that color our work and give it meaning beyond punching the clock and earning a paycheck. We ask all employees to practice vulnerability and to hold each other accountable, even those who supervise us, through compassionate calling-in and sensitive communication. Core
competencies required for any position include: connection, collaboration, communication, creativity and consistency.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide and customize virtual or in-studio individual and group therapy sessions to meet organizational outcomes for specific populations, such as those in detention facilities, shelters, or home environments.Assess participants’ needs, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other expressive processes and interventions.Conduct art therapy sessions providing guided self-expression experiences to help participants feel an increased sense of wellbeing, connection, exposure to diversity, improved self-esteem and empathy for others. Use SkyART wellness assessments and case notes to analyze or synthesize narrative and observational data Document sessions in the organizational database using SkyART forms.Establish goals or objectives for art therapy sessions in consultation with the Youth Support Manager and programs team.Request or purchase of needed art supplies or equipment for sessions.Possibly conduct professional workshops on techniques of using art in therapy and/or processes to Teaching Artists, interns, volunteers and staff.
YOUR BACKGROUND INCLUDES:
Education/Experience
At SkyART, we embrace and celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives that each individual brings to our community. We are committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive and welcoming to all, where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with historically marginalized communities, as we believe diversity enriches our organization and strengthens our impact on the world.
MA in Art Therapy, psychology, social service degree with a visual art background requiredCultural competency working with individuals from diverse backgroundsDetailed-oriented with excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal and writing skillsPracticing artists encouragedBilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred
WHAT WE OFFER:
$35-$75/hour/Part-Time & Contractual
HOW YOU APPLY
Please submit a cover letter with your resume by email to projectimpact@skyart.org with ”Art Therapist” in the subject line. Do not mail or fax.
