There is a Connection Between Art and Healing

by Jayne Behman

"Art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and attics. It brings healing."
Julia Cameron from her book The Artist's Way

The Arts bridge the gap between differences in cultures, languages, and physical and mental capabilities. They are the source for tolerance, an equalizer even if for moments.

It doesn't seem to matter that the lyrics to Ricky Martin's "Living La Vida Loca" are in Spanish, and we bellow "Turandot" with Pavoratti when we do not master Italian. The art behind rap music is the rhyme. Rap is an example of appreciating it's "beat" and not the storyline. Being involved in one's creative side causes one to open up to others.

Special education teachers recount endless stories of how they are able to communicate with their students using an arts enhanced curriculum. A child, to help him transition, leaves from a courthouse for foster care with coloring books and crayons.  Infants who have not formed language skills move to vibratory sounds and respond to colors.

Licensed art therapists, psychologists, medical doctors, and caregivers testify to the healing benefits associated with participation in the Arts.  Along with the usual consultation of nutritional diets and regular exercise, today your doctor may recommend that you enroll in an art class to reduce stress. (Even though STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS. Participating in the arts is a healthier route for body and soul.)

When artists focus on completing their compositions, they block out daily problems. This short relief is a healing process.

Persons faced with physical challenges have reclaimed self worth because of their participation in visual arts.  Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) have achieved world acclaim. (Members paint with brushes held in their mouth or feet because of a physical disability sustained at birth or through an accident or illness.) This for profit organization is owned and run by these artists to help them meet their financial needs. It is the group's ultimate goal to make a living through their artistic efforts, which offers a feeling of self worth and work security that otherwise might elude them.

Very Special Arts (VSA) is an international, nonprofit organization formed by the Kennedy Center of the Arts to create a society where all people with challenges learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.  Its Southern California headquarters has a fine arts gallery that displays its members' works.

Cancer patients have turned to involvement in the arts as a way to release thoughts and feelings. A child can go through a chemotherapy treatment while painting ceramics. Art for recovery allows the human spirit to be expressed.  For some in life-threatening illnesses, their art is a legacy—the painting, drawing, and/or sculpture is left behind for their loved ones. During the  grieving process, art works of the recently passed are often times displayed.  These become the windows to the human souls.

At the Oaks Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Center in Petaluma, California, art opens the possibility of expression for those who have lost the ability to speak lucidly due to Alzheimer's. The administrator describes, "Some 80% percent of the Oaks' residents arrive heavily medicated and with behavioral problems. We get 90% reduction in drugs by doing things like an art class, giving them ways to express themselves that don't frustrate them . . . I have seen patients in the art program that have been written off that expressed themselves beautifully in this class."

Most living arenas that cater to the aging offer art classes.  Art class rooms have dedicated spaces in many senior housing developments.

Hospitals are focusing upon art collections that offer healthy asthethics.  Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara is investing thousands of dollars to provide art experiences to their guests that will offer tranquility during times that may feel hopeless.  This is a different approach to healthcare, one that hopes to transform a patient's experience through the arts.

Jackie Braque of Cambria has offered a multi-media art class to physically challenged adults. Working on individual projects—perhaps in collage or painting—the enthusiasm and camaraderie between the students is evident.  She has witnessed physical improvements; better hand-eye coordination, physical balance, and a longer stretch of the arm.

If you know someone that you feel may benefit from this article, please share this information.  Visit http://www.artheals.org for more information on arts and healing.

I believe that the arts is an essential mechanism for creating positive change in the world.  It is a travesty that the arts are being cut from our local public school education curriculum.

Support our local arts by attending theater performances.  Join art museums.  Attend artist receptions and purchase a piece of artwork.  The Arts have been used not only to beautify cities through public arts programs, but also to revitalize them.

The Arts are the true global language. Music knows no nation. Performances favor no race. Paintings acknowledge no class.  We can only imagine what is possible through the Arts.  Do your part to keep the Arts alive.