"The Aldea Art Therapy Calendar showcases the creativity, insightfulness and determination of these children. Every year I look forward to this calendar and meeting these inspiring young artists."
-Senator Lois Wolk

Words alone are not enough to express what children feel. This is especially true when they are faced with the complex issues of divorce, grief, violence, abuse, neglect or coping with a disability. That is why art therapy has become an integral part of the treatment program at Aldea Children and Family Services, which serves the mental health needs of children and their families in Napa and Solano Counties of California. Art therapy gives these children a voice to express a wide range of emotions and helps them work through conflicts and traumas with the guidance of trained therapists.

The art in this calendar represents an array of children's work, from whimsical to evocative. While expressing themselves in this visual way, the children gain a sense of empowerment. Their accomplishments in art therapy also act to help them develop a positive self-image and improve their self-esteem.

Aldea, Spanish for little village, is a non-profit organization that offers verbal, play and art therapy to children in outpatient, residential, and school settings. Services are provided to families in crisis and need regardless of their income or ability to pay. Through the sales of this calendar, we hope to increase our art therapy services to even more children who could benefit from this unique and powerful means of expression.

We thank the sponsors of Aldea's Art Therapy Program, whose concern and generosity have helped make this program and publication possible. We especially acknowledge the children, whose creativity in the face of adversity is an inspiration to all of us.

Al Friedman, M.A., A.T.R.
Project Coordinator / Art Therapist.