2025 Sadie Minnigan An Integrative Literature Review: Textile Arts in Art Therapy

Dive into the vibrant world of textile arts with Sadie Minnigan, a Master’s in Art Therapy student at the Herron School of Art + Design in Indianapolis, Indiana. In her insightful thesis video, Sadie presents her integrative literature review, exploring the use of textile arts—such as sewing, knitting, and quilting—in art therapy. Her research examines the cultural significance, therapeutic benefits, and potential of fiber arts to foster self-expression and identity work.

Sadie’s findings reveal how textile arts, historically rooted in communal and personal narratives, offer unique sensory and aesthetic qualities that enhance mood, reduce negative emotions, and promote relaxation. From story cloths depicting trauma to quilts symbolizing community, these crafts enable storytelling and identity exploration, particularly in group settings. Despite their marginalization as “women’s work” in traditional fine art, Sadie highlights their universal appeal and calls for inclusive research to explore their benefits across all gender expressions.

Conducted at Herron (https://herron.indianapolis.iu.edu), this study underscores the need for further research into specific textile-based interventions for mental health. Sadie’s work invites art therapists to embrace this versatile medium. Learn more about Herron’s Art Therapy program at https://herron.indianapolis.iu.edu/academics/gdegrees/art-therapy/index.html and support this exploration of textile arts. Like, share, and subscribe to champion Sadie’s vision for a more inclusive art therapy practice!