The League of Women Voters of the Whitewater Area recently held an inspiring program, “The Art of Healing,” which explored ways creativity and artistic expression can promote mental well-being. The event brought together community members, artists and educators for a night centered around art, healing and making connections.
The program, which was held at the Whitewater Arts Alliance and Cultural Arts Center, began invitingly. Instead of sitting and listening to speakers, attendees were handed paper, markers and other drawing supplies. Panelists encouraged those in attendance to create while they listened to the discussion. They noted that research shows drawing while listening can enhance focus, recall and memory. They also invited everyone to walk around and admire the art that was on display.
The organizer of the event, Dwight Watson, said that the idea for the event came from understanding the importance of having conversations within the community about mental health.
“One of the solutions is public art and creative expression,” Watson said. “They’re ways to offset mental health concerns, so we decided to get a group of panelists to have a conversation about it.”
Throughout the discussion, the panelists highlighted how different forms of artistic expression, such as music, painting and photography, can all play a role in reducing stress while boosting mood, as art is a way for people to connect with themselves and others while also serving as a form of coping. They emphasized that art is not limited to professionals and can be used as a tool for anyone when they need emotional support.
Dance was a major focus of the conversation. Panelists highlighted how movement can help develop positive relationships with their bodies, reduce anxiety and relieve physical tension.
“I know that all aspects of art are an absolute healing process for geriatric folks,” composer and panelist James Olm said. “Through physical movement, signing and expressiveness, it can even pull people with dementia back into their reality when you least expect it.”
Another panelist and educator, Kristan Monday, discussed how important art can be for children as it allows them to understand their emotions and gives them control over every aspect of their art.
“I really feel like I’m an artist, that’s what I am,” said Monday.
As the evening came to an end, attendees broke into small groups to share their artwork that they had created during the discussion in a judgment-free environment. Participants reflected on what they learned and discussed what they had learned on how Whitewater’s community could continue to use art to support mental well-being.
For the League of Women Voters, “The Art of Healing” was a way to invite those within the community to get together and embrace their creativity while also learning how to improve their mental well-being. The event focused on healthy coping mechanisms and the way expression can help those who may need support.