Visual Art has been a part of every known culture on the planet, for tens of thousands of years. From this we can readily conclude that art is somehow vital to a civilization. Art can, according to Your Brain on Art, by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, help us to make intuitive leaps in our thinking, become more innovative, and help to increase our resilience to challenges.
In fact, a growing body of research shows that even a single session of creating or even viewing visual art can significantly enhance well-being, reduce stress, and activate pleasure and reward pathways to the brain, says Dr. Nisha Sajnani, Director of Arts & Health at New York University. Dr. Sajnani adds that “These effects are amplified by moments of reflection, social connection, and personal meaning – reminding us that art doesn’t just reflect life, it helps us to feel more alive.”
So why is a librarian touting art’s benefits? It’s because this April will mark Verona Public Library’s third session of its Artist-in-Residence program. The program entails the careful selection of a local artist for each six-week session who will best foster the program’s mission: to enhance the artistic and cultural life of the Verona area community by fostering connections with local artists…