Since May is Mental Health Awareness month, we, at US and Art, want to testify to the positive impact art has on mental health. Each of us has been through our own personal journey with mental health. Part of the reason each of us came to US and Art is the fulfillment it brings, to make art and share our love of art with the world. Hopefully we can shed some light on the impact art has on mental health and inspire our readers to try it out for themselves.
One of the most effective and accessible ways to boost mental health is through art!
Art has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health, as it promotes relaxation, boosts self-esteem, and reduces stress and anxiety. Engaging in artistic activities, such as painting, drawing, or sculpture, allows individuals to express themselves creatively and provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It can also help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression while also promoting feelings of relaxation and creativity. Art therapy, which involves using art as a form of treatment, has also been used to improve mental health in individuals struggling with depression, trauma, and other mental health issues. Through art therapy, individuals can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and improve their overall well-being.
What is mental health and why focus on it?
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave in daily life and is critical to our overall health and well-being.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, and many people struggle to find ways to improve it. Good mental health allows us to cope with the normal stresses of life, build positive relationships, and make meaningful contributions to our communities. On the other hand, poor mental health can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including decreased productivity, relationship problems, substance abuse, and even physical health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize and maintain good mental health by taking care of ourselves, seeking support when needed, and engaging in activities that promote our overall well-being
Book your spot HERE for one of our art courses this upcoming summer or fall semesters!
Sign up HERE for a weekly, family-friendly, 2-hr art day camp!
Save your seat HERE at our delicious, unique monthly chocolate paint night with your significant other or family members!
These squishy toys are not only sensory and relaxing when stress is high, they are also fun to paint and express your creativity!
At US and Art, we understand the power of art in improving mental health.
Each of us has personally experienced how art can change lives mentally, emotionally, and socially. Our goal is to help our students cultivate their creativity, boost their confidence, and improve their mental well-being through our art programs. We work hard to create a welcoming and encouraging environment for our students, where they feel comfortable expressing themselves through art. We avoid the idea that art has to look or be made a certain way. Instead, we focus on enjoying and exploring the process of making art and letting go of perfectionistic expectations.
These posters are the same ones we put up around our studio to remind our students to check in with their feelings and practice grounding techniques.
We strive to make our studio a safe place for our students to not only explore creativity and learn art skills but also attend to their social-emotional well being.
Below, we share some personal experiences our amazing staff members have had with their own art and mental health journeys:
"Art has been a great source of healing for me. It provides a way for me to express my emotions, explore difficult issues, and learn more about myself. It also allows me to escape from my everyday world and find a sense of peace and calm." -Miss Avry, US and Art Assistant
"I love doing art. I struggle with a lot of anxiety and depression as well as Imposter Syndrome. Creating art is one way to connect with a community of people who have something in common, whether it is music, painting, or even fashion design. During the pandemic, I had a huge mental health crisis and I sought help. I was later encouraged to go to school and was able to get a digital media and design degree. I got to meet many artistic people who changed my life and I landed a job that I love!" -Miss Mariam, US and Art Teacher
"When I was in middle school and high school, I was identified as "the art girl." Back then, I didn't feel like I knew who I was in a lot of ways and life was often very confusing. Art gave me something to embrace and love about myself. I'm so glad I embraced it, because now I get to share my love of art with so many people and I get to witness their lives being changed as well." -Miss Mikaela, US and Art Teacher
"Art has always been a therapeutic skill for me. When I have a hard day, it can be tough wanting to get out my paints and make something. But once I do, I get into this flow and forget about the hard things that happened and I can just focus on what I am creating. Art is so much more than the final outcome, it's about the process and what you discover about yourself during that process." -Miss KaLee, US and Art Teacher
"Art has always been a way for me to express myself. Just like how people write songs or books- I do art. When I have no words to say what I feel, I pick up a pencil and just draw my feelings out. There was one day when I was just very frustrated. I picked up my pencil and drew a bird. The bird I drew had sweat running down its face. After I finished the drawing, I felt calm. Drawing has also been a great way for me to deal with depression, loneliness, sadness, and frustration." -Miss Destiny, US and Art Assistant
"As many people know I struggle greatly with depression and anxiety. It can be overwhelming at times and I feel lost in the mess of my thoughts. But when I do something artistic, I become instantly grounded. It's a way to remove all the noise and chaos and be able to just be me. I feel safe when I am painting or sculpting and I wish for everyone out there who struggles with either of these feelings that they can find something healing to help them through their trials as well." -Miss Emily, US and Art Owner
Our mantra at the beginning of each class is "my art is awesome because I am awesome!"
We say our mantra at the beginning of each class, even our Adult classes. It is a solid reminder that we matter and that is enough. When we speak words aloud it causes new pathways in our brain to form. It can lead us to new thoughts and if we strengthen the new pathway it can become our natural instinct to take that pathway. By repeating this mantra on a weekly basis we are building powerful brain lengths that will lead us to believe the things we say. It also helps us to encourage our students to believe in themselves and their artistic abilities, no matter their skill level.
Through our art classes, we also teach our students valuable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and patience. These skills can be applied not only in the art studio but in all areas of their lives. Moreover, by practicing art regularly, students can develop a sense of mindfulness and relaxation, leading to improved mental health.
These inspirational notepads show examples of many of the positive messages what we want to instill in our students!
Remind yourself or your loved one of their artistic awesomeness with one of our in house designed hoodies!
At US and Art, we understand the power of art in promoting creativity, confidence, and well-being.
Through our programs, we strive to create a positive and supportive environment for our students to express themselves and develop valuable skills that will benefit them both in and out of the art studio. Come join us in the effort to make the world a better, safer, more colorful and creative place!
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