Sarah Newton, Class of 2008, poses next to her painting.

My name is Sarah and I am a native of Ringgold, Virginia and moved to Hampton Roads in 2001. I attended Old Dominion University, where I received a BA in art history and a minor in psychology.

Hampton Roads offers museums, gardens, the symphony, stage companies, music, and much, much more. Annual festivals span the year at the oceanfront and parks. The seven cities of Hampton Roads combine to give residents a variety of cultural experiences.

One of my favorite things about the EVMS art therapy program is the encouragement for students to find their own voice and style in all areas, be it art or your therapeutic perspective. Faculty members are supportive and available to individually help students. In addition, the well-stocked studio and classes on processes and materials provide an abundance of inspiration for artwork. I know my personal artwork has changed over my time at EVMS. It is amazing to visibly see the growth that takes place over time in concrete forms of artwork and visual journaling.