The Art of Recess: A School-Based Ecological Art Hive in Practice

This article shares the story of a school-based outdoor Art Hive and demonstrates the application of art therapy in practice at a rural elementary school on Turtle Island. A weekly outdoor Art Hive recess program was co-facilitated by an art therapy intern and self-selected student leaders to support community health and well-being. The Art Hive was delivered over 14 weeks (about 3 months) at recess and was accessible to school-aged participants in grades one to eight. A strengths-based, person-centered, eco-art therapy approach was used, and the project was rooted within a relational Indigenous-informed worldview. The Art Hive functioned as a space to experience the health-enhancing benefits of artmaking with nature in nature and supported community connectedness. This art therapy project provided opportunities for student leadership, belonging, and identity affirmation in school-aged children.