EDUCATION: Master of Science: Thanatology Marian University, Fond Du Lac, WI |2017 Master of Arts: Community Counseling Lakeland University, Plymouth, WI May 2019 Bachelor of Arts: Expressive/Therapeutic Arts Marian University, Fond Du Lac, WI | 2013 GROUP AFFILIATION: Sheboygan Visual Artists EBCO Building Sheboygan, WI | August 2016-Present (Intermittently) New membership with this group involves art shows presentations and volunteerism.
RESEARCH McNair Scholars Program 2011-2012 Cohort Marian University, Founder’s Hall and Hobbs Woods, Fond du Lac, WI | Spring 2011 – Fall 2012. Performed thorough literature review covering the topics of art and nature therapy and eco therapy. Designed, organized and facilitated three art/nature therapy interventions for sexual abuse survivors. Developed a complete written documentation of research entitled “A Tribe in the Park; A Qualitative Study of the Impact of Art and Nature Therapy” that included; a research question, methods, data, conclusion and samples of participant poetry and art.
ART EXHIBITIONS New Members Art Show EBCO Building, Sheboygan, WI | 2021
“When Darkness Falls” Art Show EBCO Building, Sheboygan, WI | October 2016 Illuminating the light in darkness: A Halloween themed show.
New Members Show EBCO Building, Sheboygan, WI | September 2016 Exhibited five original fine portrait art pieces as a member of the Sheboygan Visual Arts Association.
Ongoing Installation Exhibition Share Gallery, Fond du Lac, WI | March 2014 – October 2015 Created custom work which remained a part of a long term local exhibition.
“Green Fire: Art Inspired by Aldo Leopold, Wildlife and Nature Langdon Divers Gallery, Fond du Lac, WI | February 2014 Contemplated the deeper meaning of the early childhood messages of what nature and art mean to me Supporter of nature, wildlife, conservation and the environment.
“Wisconsin Confidential” An Exhibition Without Borders John Michael Kohler Art Center | June 2013 Explored the sense of identity that comes from inhabiting a single place over a long period of time Created an abstract watercolor depicting a recent strong local movement of eclectic expressive artists.
“Rent, Addressing the Issue” Art Exhibit Langdon Divers Community Gallery, Fond du Lac, WI | June 2012 Contributed several art pieces to a month long gallery show inspired by the musical ‘Rent’ meant to address issues of poverty, mental illness, drug abuse and how hope is derived by younger generations in healthier ways through the process of self-expression.
PUBLICATIONS Weeks, Maria. Unapologetically Wildish: Book of Poetry. Sheboygan, WI: 2021 Weeks, Maria. (2014). Begun. Tulane Review. Spring 2014. Print Weeks, Maria. Thriving Spirit Deck of Cards. Fond du Lac, WI: Action Printing, 2012. Print. Weeks, Maria. "Personal Art Pieces and Reflection." International Expressive Arts Newsletter. (Spring 2011): Print Weeks, Maria. The Tide Magazine: Promoting Expressive Flair through Artistic Creation. Fond du Lac, WI: Scott’s Discount Printing. 2008-2009 Staff Writer Space Junkies Magazine from 2002-2006 Staff Writer Aid for Bands 1996 to 2002
VOLUNTEERISM:
Hospice Compassus Volunteer RCS Empowers, Sheboygan, WI | 2018-2021 Spent client-oriented quality time with the hospice participants.
Art Therapy Volunteer RCS Empowers, Sheboygan, WI | 2017-2018 Co-led group activity, assisted in preparing art pieces for annual art show, shadowed licensed art therapist and contributed to setup, teardown and facilitation of art therapy activities with a varied group of participants.
Gathering in Grief Open Door, Sheboygan, WI | April 11, 2017 Facilitated an Expressive/Therapeutic Art Gathering to support those in grief, sponsored by Mental Health America.