NEW ULM — The New Ulm Medical Center and the Grand Center for Art & Culture are teaming up for an Art Therapy Class.

Dr. Cori Jordan said the class is geared toward children from six to 18 who have parents or guardians going through cancer treatments. The program will be guided by an experienced art instructor Bridget Gusso and licensed therapist Bonnie Beranek-Fortwengler.

Together, Gusso and Bereanek-Fortwengler will help walk kids through the process. The idea is to use art to help kids explore their feelings, boost creativity and connect with others.

Jordan said there is an untapped need for art therapy.

“There is not a lot of support for kids in the region,” she said. This class is modeled off a similar program from a similar program at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Jordan said art is a wonderful way for kids to express emotions without using words. Many of the kids whose families are impacted by cancers might not have the vocabulary to express their feelings–but they can paint a picture.

It is also a way for families to come together with and process complex feelings together.

The program will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 19 and Tuesday, Oct. 26. Participants are asked to sign-up in advance. The cost of this program is free.

Those interested may register on Eventbrite at http://tinyurl.com/artthreapyNUMC.