My name is Annie King, and I am a second year art therapy graduate student at Eastern Virginia Medical School.  Before attending EVMS, I taught art to kindergarten through eighth grade students at a school in Atlanta, Georgia.  I grew up in Atlanta, and I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Studio Art and Art Education from the University of Georgia. 

As an artist, I understand the benefits of the creative process of art making, and I have been blessed to experience these positive effects throughout my life.  Although I had been fascinated in art therapy during my undergraduate studies, it wasn’t until I began teaching art that I realized full the therapeutic effect of the art making process.  After an amazing opportunity to work with a student suffering from brain damage, I knew it was my time to pursue the field of art therapy.

Developing a strong passion to use this creative art making process to help others, I began applying to schools around the country.  EVMS ultimately became the most appealing to me for many reasons.  The close-knit, supportive program and their strong connection with the community was my first attraction.  After realizing the unbelievable opportunity for intellectual growth and experience through conducting research to expand knowledge for the field, the variety of internship placements, and professionally enriching classes, I was convinced that EVMS was the one!

The program has 3 full-time faculty members and several part-time faculty members.  Creating a cohesive environment, our professors are consistently available to provide professional and academic guidance.  It has been an honor to learn from the EVMS staff.  They all have incredible insight and knowledge as professional art therapists and academic teachers.

More benefits of the art therapy program at EVMS are the studio space in the d’Art Center in downtown Norfolk and membership to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA).  The studio courses provide an opportunity to get a-hands-on feel for the processes and materials of therapeutic art making.  Allowing time and space for personal art making as well, d’Art studio provides a unique experience to work alongside many successful artists within the community.  The inclusion of AATA membership is also a great asset to the program.  Being able to network, explore, and continue to update my knowledge in the growing field of art therapy has been essential throughout my education.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  I have been more than pleased with the program and my experience here at EVMS, and I would be happy to talk with you about it.  I hope that you consider the art therapy program at EVMS.  You will not be disappointed!