Art Heals.

In the last 10 years art therapy has become popular among therapist, social workers, and therapy groups. At its core art therapy main function is improving cognitive and sensorimotor functions to support the overall health of participates. It’s wonderful that art is being seen as a needed component to one’s well-being.

I’ve always asserted that art class, and theater classes should be the main curriculum for 1st and 2nd grade students, with one recess being A walking meditation. Having worked in diverse communities using storytelling/theater to empower students I’ve seen the positive results. What your thoughts?

In this blog I want to speak to soul of artist born to create. What do you think happens to artist without some form of art included in the journey beyond kindergarten? How do they come into their own? Or if their world doesn’t have room to express their creative curiosity? Circumstances of gender roles, economic or race interferes withs their soul’s purpose.

In a poem written by Dr. Maya-Angelo, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings it speaks to the adversities we are faced with, but nothing should interfere with our soul’s purpose despite challenges. Art does heal if we’re living art-fully. Art should be as accessible to all people not just those that work into therapy. I want to encourage artist to feed your souls, let them harvest into the world.

Finally, take a listen to this interview with Peter Docter and Kemp Powers, Oscar nominated film challenging popular notions of success and failure. It also in its own way speaks to the core of WYPA question: Who’s Imagination Are We Living In? Enjoy! and remember to sign up for WYPA news and write an essay of your thoughts you might be our next guest blogger. Writefully Yours, Jovelyn d. Richards

‘Soul’ Creators On Passion, Purpose And Realizing You’re ‘Enough’ : NPR