Michael Franklin, Ph.D. - Art As Contemplative Practice

Dr. Michael A. Franklin is the chair of the graduate Transpersonal Art Therapy program at Naropa University and founder of the undergraduate art therapy program and the Naropa Community Art Studio. Throughout his career, Michael has practiced as a clinician and educator, directing the art therapy programs at the College of St. Teresa and Bowling Green State University. Michael lectures and leads workshops internationally and has published over thirty papers on various subjects including aesthetics, self-esteem, AIDs iconography, interpretive strategies, community-based art therapy, arts-based research, and contemplative approaches including yoga, meditation and visual empathic methods. Michael's current research focuses on integrating art therapy/education, social engagement, yoga philosophy, and meditation. This investigation has culminated in the recent publication of: Art as Contemplative Practice: Expressive Pathways to the SELFwith SUNY Press.  http://www.artisyoga.com/