The George Washington University Art Therapy Program presents Spring 2010:
Felting the Senses: Feltmaking as a Therapeutic Intervention
Applicable to all ages, feltmaking is a non‐toxic and safe process that only requires wool,
water, and soap. It is a process that can be done with populations that may otherwise not be
able to use art materials. Feltmaking can be done alone or within a group and is process
oriented. It involves repetitive compression and agitation to the wool, which moves the
individual fibers together forming a felted surface. From an art therapist’s perspective, the
tactile process of feltmaking addresses the Kinesthetic/Sensory (K/S) level of Lusebrink’s
(1990) Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC). The neurological mechanisms of the haptic
sense of feltmaking have the ability to stimulate emotion and memory.
Workshop Format: This all‐day workshop will have a didactic component during the first hour
focusing on the prehistoric origins and contemporary approaches to feltmaking. The second
hour will consist of a PowerPoint Presentation highlighting the therapeutic benefits of
feltmaking with a variety of populations. The second half will consist of a demonstration of
the process of layering dry wool, felting dry wool, applying soap gel (olive oil soap), felting
with warm soapy water, and fulling (repetitive, controlled throwing of felt). Attendees will
learn three different felting techniques. Discussion about the multisensory felting process will
be facilitated throughout the entire experiential as well as the potential therapeutic benefits.
All‐day workshop for Professionals (CEUs available)
Sat. March 27, 9‐5
(limit 20 professionals)
$100 including fee for felting supplies
All‐day workshop for GW graduate art therapy students
Sun., March 28, 9‐5
(limit 20 students)
$50 including fee for felting supplies
* lunch will be on your own both days
Presenters: John Lorance, ATR and
Elizabeth Warson, PhD have presented on
the therapeutic application of feltmaking for
the American Art Therapy Association and
individually for programs throughout the
United States. John is an art therapist and
has been utilizing feltmaking as a
therapeutic intervention for all age groups.
Elizabeth is a professional fiber artist and
faculty member at GW who has taught the
art of feltmaking
Additional information:
For additional questions please contact either Elizabeth Warson eawarson@gwu.edu
(703) 299‐4147
or John Lorance at lorancejd@gmail.com
GWU Graduate Art Therapy ProgramGraduate Education Center(walk-in address)413 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314(mailing address)1925 Ballenger Ave., Suite 250, Alexandria, VA 22314703-299-4148703-299-4142 (fax)
