Education

M.A., Adler University, 2011
B.F.A., Saint Mary’s College, 2005

About

Alicia Dawn Criswell is a board certified art therapist and artist originally from Crown Point, IN. Exhibiting her work regionally since 2002, Criswell’s paintings and mixed media works explore the themes of decay, loss, and memory. As a therapist, she has worked in schools as well as both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her areas of interest include grief and the development of creativity and meaning, with a clinical focus in leading groups for adults with dual diagnosis. Criswell became an associate faculty member for Herron’s Art Therapy graduate program in January 2021, and teaches HER-T504: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling and Art Therapy, HER-T590: Art Therapy Practice: Variable Topics, and HER-T511: Art Therapy with Adults and Families.

Awards + Grants

  • Indiana Landmarks Rapp Family Gallery, Indiana Artists Club Annual Members Exhibition, Best of Show, 2022
  • Swope Art Museum, 77th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition, Nancy Seidel Jones Purchase Award, 2021
  • South Shore Arts 77th Annual Salon Show, Past Presidents’ Award, 2020
  • Office of Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Hoosier Women Artists Honoree, 2019
  • Indiana Arts Commission, On-Ramp Fellowship Grant, 2019

Licensing + Credentials

Board Certified Art Therapist, 2020-present
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Indiana, 2020-present

Presentations

  • "Conflict of Identities: An Ethical Consideration." American Art Therapy Association Conference, online, 2021.
  • "Art and Design Lecture Series: Alicia Criswell." University of Indianapolis, online, 2021.