About Mr. Schwartz

Bill Schwartz, ATR-BC, LCPC

Art Therapist- Registered, Board Certified
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Art Therapist for Grades K-6^th

What is your Education Background?  

I earned my undergraduate Degree at Webster University and my Master’s Degree in Art Therapy at Southern Illinois University

How long have you worked for the Alton School District?

I have been an Art Therapist/Counselor in Southern Illinois are since I graduated from SIU-E in 1995.  I have been an Art Therapist for ACUSD working with students K-6^th since 2005.

What interested you in becoming an art therapist?

When I was in High School, my 2^nd oldest sister entered the art therapy program in University of Illinois at Chicago and I became very interested in art therapy as a career choice.  I have always used creative outlets in my own life and can remember being interested in how others relate and manage the stress in their lives since as long as I can remember. 

What do you like about your job?

I love how art can be a tool that allows a person to express in a way that works for them, but doesn’t necessarily tells everyone else what they are thinking or feeling.  I also love how art can help people focus their thoughts and feelings to be better able to communicate with those they trust.

When you do your own art, what do you do?

I probably draw or sculpt with clay equally.  Drawing for me can be with any art supply that is available.  I like to mix art supplies and see how they react.  I enjoy very much using oil pastels and paints.  Clay is a great tool for releasing energy and even if I don’t keep what I am making, the action of creating and destroying with clay can be very satisfying for me.

What is thing you enjoy doing when you are not at work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening both for beauty (flowers) and for food (veggies and herbs), following our local sports teams, getting out in the fresh air when the weather is nice, and playing music with my brothers and friends (I usually play the drums and sing.)