{"id":7726,"date":"2026-04-10T19:24:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T19:24:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/art\/?p=7726"},"modified":"2026-04-13T16:10:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T16:10:53","slug":"alumni-spotlight-karina-sorensen-ba-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/art\/2026\/04\/alumni-spotlight-karina-sorensen-ba-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Alumni Spotlight: Karina Sorensen- BA 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\"Karina\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>
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\n\t\t\"Sorensen\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\n\t\t\"Alternate\n\t<\/div>\n\n

Another view of the Artlighten Mobile Art Therapy Studio, highlighting its adaptability as a studio on wheels.<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Karina Sorensen<\/strong> \u2014 Bringing Art Therapy on the Road<\/h2>\n
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The Department of Art is proud to spotlight alumna, Karina Sorensen, MAATC, LPC, ATR, whose work demonstrates the powerful ways art can serve communities beyond traditional studio and gallery spaces. In collaboration with Genna Riggi, owner of Artlighten LLC, Sorensen co\u2011developed ArtReach<\/strong>, a Mobile Art Therapy Studio that brings creative, therapeutic experiences directly to individuals, schools, and organizations throughout Connecticut.<\/p>\n

Art Therapy Without Walls<\/h3>\n

ArtReach\u2019s Mobile Art Therapy Studio is a fully equipped bus designed to function as a welcoming, flexible space for therapeutic art\u2011making. The mobile model allows services to reach communities that may not otherwise have access to traditional art therapy settings\u2014meeting people where they are, both geographically and emotionally.<\/p>\n

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\u201cMy goal with the Mobile Art Therapy Studio is to meet people where they are and expand access to art\u2011based mental health support.\u201d<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Through this innovative approach, the studio supports mental health, self\u2011expression, and connection through hands\u2011on creative practice. The project blends studio art, counseling, and community engagement into a single, accessible platform.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\n\t\t\"Interior\n\t<\/div>\n\n

Inside the Artlighten Mobile Art Therapy Studio, designed as a welcoming, flexible space for therapeutic art\u2011making.<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\n\t\t\"Close\u2011up\n\t<\/div>\n\n

Detail view of art materials available inside the mobile studio, supporting hands\u2011on creative therapy sessions.<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Staying Connected to the WCSU Art Community<\/h3>\n

Karina recently reconnected with the department during a gallery reception, sharing updates about her work and her continued commitment to art\u2011centered healing. As an alum, she credits her academic and studio foundation with helping shape both her artistic sensibility and professional direction.<\/p>\n

Her work continues the Department of Art\u2019s tradition of interdisciplinary practice\u2014demonstrating how creative training can extend into counseling, education, and public service.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re proud to celebrate Karina Sorensen and the meaningful impact she is making through art, compassion, and community\u2011based practice.<\/p>\n

Learn More<\/h3>\n

You can explore more about Artlighten\u2019s Mobile Art Therapy Studio and see behind\u2011the\u2011scenes content through the links below:<\/p>\n