While Josie has been an artist for years, her recent work teaching and counseling has refocused what art actually means to her. Now in her second year of the graduate program at Marylhurst University, Josie plans to have a career in art therapy and counseling.

She spent ten years going to the summer arts camp where she now teaches and enjoys working with children.

Last semester Josie helped Alzheimer's patients learn to draw, paint and collage. "We did different projects each week and would have discussions after the working period about what they had made and what it reminded them of," Josie says. "I learned once again how art can be a powerful way to reach people who are struggling."

We're looking forward to having Josie out to camp on Thursday to teach campers ceramics.

Josie answers a few more questions below

What do you do everyday for work and play?

Right now I am a student at Marylhurst University working on Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling. I am entering my second and final year of school and will be doing an internship at a therapeutic middle school providing both group and individual art therapy for the students. In my free time I like to garden, read and cuddle with my cats.

What are a few of your favorite things?

I love the Ocean. I go there a lot to swim, look for shells and rocks on the shore, boat and fish. I also enjoy do art. Throwing pots on the wheel is my favorite type of art but I also do knitting and mixed media art.

What do you hope the campers gain from art?

Clay is not a media that everyone gets the chance to explore. My involvement at camp will hopefully provide new and exciting experiences for the campers. Being creative is a great way to relieve stress and to keep the mind active, which are valuable skills for these campers.

You can see some of her work here: http://joscelynpots.blogspot.com