Whitewater Arts Alliance

 Greetings,

We hope this finds you happy, healthy, and feeling creative! If not, I’ve got a few thoughts about art, health and healing in the paragraphs below. But first, let me tell you that since our last newsletter the Arts Alliance has had our Public Art pieces on display across town, hosted several exhibits, presented our Savory Sounds Concert series and even had a pop-up show in partnership with the historical house tour in June.

It has been a whirlwind! Explore the rest of our website for latest happenings and events and come visit us when you can!

In these letters I’ve talked about arts and the economy, arts and education, and now I would like to talk a bit about arts and healing. Many of us know anecdotally that arts and creativity can improve both our physical and emotional health, and some of us have lived it. Research proves that including the arts in healthcare can enhance coping, reduce patients’ need for hospital care and pain medication, reduce depression and anxiety, and contribute to patient satisfaction (Arts in Health - Strengthening our Nation's Health through the Arts, 2013.) Art and healing programs are present in hospitals, hospice and long-term care facilities, rehabilitation treatment centers, prisons, and military bases. These programs are an important part of the healing and recovery process.

One organization that I have watched for years is called “TimeSlips”, which uses storytelling to help patients with dementia. Watching how facilitators work with patients, bringing out their creativity and helping them tell their own story, it is a wonderful sight to behold. Another example I am familiar with is how the arts have been used to help children express their thoughts and feelings after hurricanes have destroyed their homes.

How has art and creativity contributed to your life? How have you seen it work in others? It is worth a moment to think about. I’ve seen it in my own life, and am incredibly grateful to those who take the time and provide the resources to make it happen. That is one reason I serve on the Board – to say thanks to those who paved the way before me, and pay it forward so that future generations have access to the arts as well.

Coming up in October we’ve got our annual member meeting, which will be October 22 at 7 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center. We will be voting new members on to the Board, giving an update on what we’ve been doing this year, and offering a vision for 2020. Join us if you can.

Do something creative today – and visit us at the CAC!

Megan Matthews, President
Whitewater Arts Alliance Board of Directors