About Arnica Art Studio
Arnica Art Studio is run by Bianca Vecchio (AthR) a registered Creative Arts therapist, Sensorimotor Art Therapist, Art Teacher, Creativity Facilitator and Intuitive Artist.
The name Arnica Art Studio is a reference to the flower, Arnica, the oil of which is often used to help heal bruises. This connects with the idea of how art can be used to soothe and heal hidden wounds.
"I realised at a young age that Art was my passion. It was a way I could express my ideas and it became my "go-to" when life was tough - especially in my teenage years. I discovered that Art wasn't about being the best and most talented - it was about what YOU got out of it! I wanted to share that insight with others, which is why I became a Visual Art Teacher.
I believe that students need a positive experience in Visual Arts and lots of opportunities in experimenting with different techniques, materials, styles and media from a young age so they have a solid foundation in the role Art, Self Expression and Creativity can play in our everyday lives.
Studying Art Therapy has helped give me further insight and skills into the way art can be used to encourage self expression, help support emotional well being, build confidence and a positive sense of self and belonging."
Bianca Vecchio, Arnica Art Studio
Bianca's formal
qualifications and work experience includes:
BA (Visual Arts)
B.Ed (Art/Design Education)
Grad. Cert of TESOL
B.Ed (Primary Teaching)
Cert. of Initiatic Art Therapy
Cert. ClayField Therapy
Diploma of Sensorimotor Art Therapy (ISAT)
Diploma of Creative Arts Therapy (MIECAT)
Masters is Therapeutic Arts Practice
ELVA training (Enhancing Emotional Literacy Through Visual Arts)
Professional Membership with ANZACATA
Registered Teacher (VIT)
Former work experience:
Around 20 years of experience teaching in a number of government schools in Melbourne's northern region, mainly in specialist roles in Visual Arts and English as an Additional Language as well as positions such as Transition Support Coordinator, Literacy and Numeracy Support Teacher and Generalist Classroom Teacher.
Facilitating a number of art classes/workshops at local community centres catering for the needs and interest of toddlers, primary school children and adults
Setting up and facilitating a playgroup to engage the local community at a primary school
Volunteer at the not-for-profit organisation, Ducks for Detainees - supporting Asylum Seekers detained offshore on Manus Island and Nauru
Education Officer at STEAM based learning centre
Child Care Worker in Out of School Hours Care programs
