Swampscott native Claire Donnelly has always been into art. 

“I feel like I taught myself a lot of it, which I feel like a lot of art is that, exploring just what you’re into and sometimes it’s different for different people,” Donnelly said. 

The art therapist has over 25 years of experience helping people connect creatively. With a masters from Lesley University, Donnelly works in public education and with her own private practice, specializing in trauma-sensitive care and creative healing. 

“In my classroom at school, I’m always like, ‘This is an idea but you can say no. If you want to do it differently, that’s totally fine,’” Donnelly said. “It’s all about flexibility. It leaves more room for creativity.”

A lot of Donnelly’s mixed-media artwork explores seascapes, nature and flowers. She added that the beach is her favorite part of Swampscott. 

“I want to do more art in our town,” Donnelly said, adding that a permanent art space like previously offered in town would be a great addition. “I hope people appreciate or notice the importance of art and creativity in life for meaning making and making connections.”

Now Donnelly is bringing her story to the Swampscott Tides’ Fish Tales event.

“I like this community, and I’m eager to be even more involved,” Donnelly said. 

The event supports the Swampscott Tides, which has been covering the town for the past 10 months. The Swampscott Tides works to ensure readers receive accurate coverage of what’s happening in Swampscott, from School Committee meetings and the town budget to new business openings and community events.

“It could be a really cool opportunity for community art with the written stories,” Donnelly said. “Maybe seeing if there’s themes or something that connects. I know it’s wild, but I’m into wild ideas.”

Fish Tales will be held on March 28 at 7 p.m. at the Swampscott High School. 

Tickets are now available for the Fish Tales community event, celebrating local storytelling and supporting independent journalism. Kim Carrigan will host the event, with speakers including Donnelly, Boston bass player Fran Sheehan, author and attorney Robert Jauron and former METCO student Naina Alves Varela.

For more information to buy tickets, visit swampscotttides.org/fishtales.