Suzette Hodnett, Artist

Suzette Hodnett, a local multi-media artist of national stature, has an impressive background of awards and exhibits, including invitations to the top nationally juried art shows throughout the United States. Suzette’s large scale works are included in the collections of movie stars, national galleries, private collections, and international corporations. Her three-dimensional media art combines foils, acrylics, and lightweight metals that are heat-fused, inlaid and painted for extra color and design. Her highly textural and brightly colored images present a dazzling array of imaginative designs. She is truly a rare one-of-a-kind artist.
Suzette believes, “Art is play. Everyone is an artist who dares to explore the uncharted lands and deep waters of spontaneity, creativity and expression. My art is rooted in the joy of making something from nothing and gathering images and emotions during long walks out in the left field of my imagination.” Her drive to integrate fine art with education and therapy began early in her career. This drive has been evident in her involvement in teen classes, art therapy, artist-in-residence programs, public youth art projects, children's book and art for healing in child oncology hospital wards.
(See here to see her fine art mixed media originals @ www.suzette.cc) Click here for her art resume.
Click here for illustrations from children's book: "What Would You Do If It Happened To You?"
Suzette believes, “Art is play. Everyone is an artist who dares to explore the uncharted lands and deep waters of spontaneity, creativity and expression. My art is rooted in the joy of making something from nothing and gathering images and emotions during long walks out in the left field of my imagination.” Her drive to integrate fine art with education and therapy began early in her career. This drive has been evident in her involvement in teen classes, art therapy, artist-in-residence programs, public youth art projects, children's book and art for healing in child oncology hospital wards.
(See here to see her fine art mixed media originals @ www.suzette.cc) Click here for her art resume.
Click here for illustrations from children's book: "What Would You Do If It Happened To You?"
IMAGINATION - CREATIVITY - EXPRESSION

ART & CHILDREN
Art provides a creative outlet for a child's pent up emotions and hurtful feelings that may be too difficult to express verbally. Creative expression is a valuable tool of communication with children who sometimes lack the words to express their emotions. My art sessions with children are not directed towards teaching them "how to" draw but on unleashing their natural creativity and providing a fertile atmosphere for their
imagination and confidence.
RESEARCH
Art has been proven to reduce stress and lessen anxiety in children.
Studies show that art reduced depression in children facing terminal illnesses.
Children with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder receiving art therapy showed a reduction in acute stress symptoms. Proven beneficial in numerous case studies involving children with eating disorders, emotional impairment, grief and sexual abuse..
Art provides a creative outlet for a child's pent up emotions and hurtful feelings that may be too difficult to express verbally. Creative expression is a valuable tool of communication with children who sometimes lack the words to express their emotions. My art sessions with children are not directed towards teaching them "how to" draw but on unleashing their natural creativity and providing a fertile atmosphere for their
imagination and confidence.
RESEARCH
Art has been proven to reduce stress and lessen anxiety in children.
Studies show that art reduced depression in children facing terminal illnesses.
Children with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder receiving art therapy showed a reduction in acute stress symptoms. Proven beneficial in numerous case studies involving children with eating disorders, emotional impairment, grief and sexual abuse..
PHOTOS
Public Art Project: Artist-in-residence program, Park City, UT
I had the honor and pleasure of working with 1st through 7th graders at Colby School in Park City, Utah to create an 8 x 8 foot fine art original that now hangs in the CIty Hall Sheldon Richins Building. The willingness of all the students to channel and focus their energy into creativity and imagination was inspiring.
SUMMER PALOOZA GEAR-UP RETREAT, UC Santa Barbara, CA
Over three hundred at-risk teenagers from El Monte, El Rancho and Pioneer High Schools spent 8 days at the UC Santa Barbara campus. Along with a full schedule of self-discovery activities, Tai Chi, writing, team-building exercises and small group refection, they created two 8 x 8 foot murals representing the theme of the retreat, "Breaking Down the Barriers" and "Building Bridges towards their Future."