Art for Self Expression
For some, participating in the arts may feel daunting.
Perhaps you were never encouraged to be creative as a youngster or felt like what you created was never quite right. No matter your skill level or confidence in creating art, you can benefit from the process itself.
The Facts
In an NPR article, “Feeling Artsy? Here's How Making Art Helps Your Brain,” journalist Malaka Gharib speaks with Girija Kaimal, a professor at Drexel University and a researcher in art therapy.
Kaimal and a team of researchers found in a 2016 study that “There were no differences in health outcomes between people who identify as experienced artists and people who don't. So that means that no matter your skill level, you'll be able to feel all the good things that come with making art.”
Next time you doubt yourself, keep in mind no matter the outcome, you will positively benefit from exploring your creativity.
In a study published in the National Library of Medicine about the role of arts in improving health and well-being, researchers found that across all age groups, “participating in arts activities can build self-esteem, self-acceptance, confidence and self-worth, which all help to protect against mental illness.” Self expression is a direct predictor of mental health and overall wellbeing. Investing in your mental growth can be as simple as listening to live music, coloring in a coloring book, or walking through an art museum like monca!
Museum Offerings
Artistic self-expression comes in many forms, and there is a monca experience appropriate for folks of all interests. Whether it is free-flowing open dance, more structured folk dance, complex origami folding or straightforward finger-crochet, monca has something for you. Artists and community members who host museum events are always jazzed to include first time visitors and encourage everyone to share their successes.
The simple act of attending an opening reception with a friend and talking about the artwork you like and why can increase one's confidence and sense of connection to art. Often, joining a group class is a perfect place to start your self-expression journey, as other participants are glad to offer encouragement and advice. Plus, monca provides the art materials, music, and energetic environment for you to create something new!
The Museum of Northern California Art hosts many events geared toward self expression like Art Workshops, Poetry Readings, Craft Jams, and more!
