ating and participating in art therapy routines, does in fact decrease stress levels in participants. In 2021, a group of university re- searchers wanted to better understand the clinical applications and future uses of art therapy as a medical inter- vention for individuals with mental and emotional disorders. They discov- ered nearly 500 studies and research records published between 2006 and 2020 confirming the positive outcomes of art therapy on reducing depression, anxiety and stress across a wide swath of subjects from cancer patients to chil- dren to individuals with dementia and even those coping with mild stress and anxiety. Why does art have mood-boosting abilities? For some, it helps facilitate engagement when verbal interaction is strained. For others, it may spark a fond memory or provide an escape. And perhaps most importantly, art can give individuals an indirect way to connect with others and experience a sense of connection and community––some- thing that has become increasingly important over the last few years. “Spending so much time at home during the pandemic, we sort of lived and breathed with our art at home,” Pierre said. “It became an important part of our well-being.” Laura noted that during that time, art enabled them to feel a sense of connection not only to the art, but also to the artist who created it. And while art impacts everyone different, creating very individual experiences, it still man- ages to bring people and communities together, whether it’s through a large- scale public installation, a performance or a piece of wall art. “I think people view art individually according to their previous experienc- es,” Laura said. “It’s almost like taste. No two people taste the same food the same way. And I think art has a unique way of touching each individual in their own personal way. But it also has a way of bringing us together collectively as a community, as a sense of purpose and groundedness.” Connection and expression are fundamental human needs and art provides a two-way channel for both. An artist may paint a painting, write a poem or compose a piece of music as a way to process or express their emo- tions. That piece of art may then strike a chord with a viewer, reader or listener in a way that makes them feel under- stood or heard––it gives them a voice and a feeling of deep connection. “It’s an amazing way to express our-
selves,” Pierre said. “Expression is not all about language. For me at least, it’s often a deeply emotional experience. As a consumer of art, I feel things that
waiting for an appointment or enjoy- ing a concert––either the full hour of performance or while you’re on your way to somewhere else––it changes
I can’t necessarily put into words and I experience the creativity of the artist with respect and admiration and awe. It helps me understand the world a little better.” Art and healing “Art is who we are, which is why we think about it most broadly as humanities,” said Kit Kough, M.A., program director for the Mayo Clinic Center for Human- ities in Medicine.
"As a consumer of art, I feel things that I can’t necessarily put into words...It helps me understand the world a little better.”
VITAMIN A(RT)
the atmosphere.” Art has been an important part of the patient journey at Mayo Clinic since its inception. Beginning with their first custom-designed building in 1914, the Mayo Brothers led the way for healing spaces designed to help patients “find
“It is about being human. It’s how we express ourselves. It’s how we process things. So, when we think about arts in health care––where we’re incorporat- ing art into that process of healing––it can take so many forms. Whether it’s taking in the art galleries while you’re
some measure of peace and solace while awaiting their appoint- ments with the physician.” In 1980, Mayo Clinic further expanded on this princi- ple with what would become the Mayo Clin- ic Center for Humanities in Medicine. The Center includes programs rang- ing from music performances to rotating art ex- hibits to bedside arts programs to theater to work- shops. Take a stroll on any of the Mayo Clinic campuses and you’re likely to find sculp - tures dotting the outdoor gardens and walkways, pianos and harps
The connection between well-being and art
T he Beatles said, “Love is all you need.” But maybe there is something else. Maybe there’s a precursor to this sentiment. And maybe that thing is art. Not to discredit the Beatles. Love is certainly important. But art has been a part of human expression since the beginning of humanity, and its positive impact on well-being has long been acknowledged. From ancient cave paintings to modern-day art therapy, art has the power to heal, transform, spark passion, evoke joy and bliss, and unlock the imagination. And the body of research and scientific evidence surrounding art’s impact on mental and physical well-being, brain function, and emotion continues to grow. Art and the brain Art can have a profound impact on mental health, and in more recent years, evidence has emerged proving art enhances brain function. It has a positive impact on brain wave patterns and emotions, the nervous system, and has even been shown to raise serotonin
levels. In fact, according to research published in The Arts in Psychothera- py journal, blood flow increased in the medial prefrontal cortex–– the brain’s reward center––when participants completed various art activities. Indeed, art has the power to change the way you view and experience the world. It provides a tool for expressing and processing emotion, especially when it’s difficult to put those into words. And this is just one reason why art has become such an integral part of many healthcare centers and systems throughout the world. For Laura Jakimovich, clinical trial manager at Banner, and Pierre Tariot, MD, institute director for Banner Alz- heimer’s Institute, both of whom work with individuals with degenerative brain diseases, art is used as a tool to help their patients connect and express themselves. “We’re both in health care and deal primarily with people who have, or are at risk of, degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease,” Pierre said. “Our team has learned that art and mu-
sic offer ways for people who may have trouble expressing themselves verbally to still express themselves, connect in emotionally powerful ways and expe- rience joy, whether it’s through visual arts, performance arts or music.” Art therapy has also been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And its benefits are not limited to those who create it. “When you observe a profound piece of art you are potentially firing the same neurons as the artist did when they created it thus making new neural pathways and stimulating a state of inspiration,” wrote Jacob Devaney, artist and founder of Culture Collective. “This sense of being drawn into a painting is called ‘embodied cognition’.” Art and emotional well-being While anecdotal evidence may be enough to validate the idea that art can reduce stress and anxiety levels, studies abound confirming that viewing, cre -
Artwork by Sheri Meldrum hangs at the Mayo Clinic.
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Issue 4 | Spring 2023
Issue 4 | Spring 2023
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