In her TEDx talk, “Art and Occupational Therapy: You used your two art degrees for what?” Molly Evans explores the transformative intersection of art and occupational therapy. Drawing on her journey, Molly highlights how her dual degrees in art have profoundly influenced her practice in therapy. She emphasizes the role of creativity in enhancing mental health and well-being, demonstrating how artistic methods can facilitate healing and self-expression for individuals facing various challenges. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful examples, Molly showcases the power of art as a therapeutic tool, enabling clients to reconnect with their emotions and foster personal growth. This enlightening talk encourages viewers to reconsider conventional perceptions of art and its applications, revealing the profound impact it can have on life and recovery. Ultimately, Molly advocates for a broader understanding of art’s potential, urging both artists and therapists to embrace the healing possibilities that lie within creative expression.
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Author Video Description
Is there more to an art education than creation of the art itself? In her talk, Molly Evans links the creative attitude towards solving problems and preparation for impromptu decision making involved in the creation of art to Occupational Therapy, and explores how together they create the perfect storm. Evans shares her own journey through art school and the “yes, and” mindset that cultivated her own observation, critical thinking, and creative problem resolution skills. Evans shows through her story that education is used for more than its face value or label of a major. Molly Evans is a former sculpture professor with 20 years of art experience. After nine years of university teaching experience, Evans is currently going back to school to earn an associate’s degree in occupational therapy at the University of Southern Indiana. Molly Evans is an interdisciplinary fiber artist and former educator based in Evansville, Indiana. She is currently studying Occupational Therapy Assistance at University of Southern Indiana and creating a manuscript about her experience of utilizing creativity within the Health Sciences. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “Art and Occupational Therapy: You used your two art degrees for what? | Molly Evans | TEDxUSI” was uploaded on 06/11/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks