STAY CONNECTED

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STAY CONNECTED FINDING CONNECTION AND RESILIENCE THROUGH CREATIVITY

How can creativity help us respond in a way that will preserve our wellbeing? Resilience, or the way we adapt to stress, is our most important resource when faced with uncertainty, transition, and crisis. CMA staff are busy developing new ways for you to feel more connected, creative, and resilient.

Business as usual is put on hold for a while, but perhaps this is also an opportunity to create new ways forward with new connections, new ideas, and, perhaps, a bit more curiosity and empathy. When you join us in the galleries and participate in our programs, we ask what you notice and observe in a work of art, prompt you to consider various perspectives on nuanced issues, invite you to connect and collaborate with others, and encourage creative thinking.

Let’s acknowledge that it’s normal to feel unsettled and concerned when things are so uncertain, and feel really big. Can you notice those thoughts and emotions as they come up? Can you be curious and describe them without judgement and let them go? Can you also notice what has worked out for you this past week? Could you imagine ways to practice more creativity and empathy in the coming weeks?

Lately, artists are helping us feel socially connected despite being physically apart. They have filled our hearts and homes on social media, allowing us into their studios and creative process. With prompts to keep young children engaged, live concerts, cooking tutorials, and mediation practice, the artistic spirit is winning.

It’s also important to explore our own creative ambiguity. Putting the pen to paper, brush to paint, or our hands on an instrument is equally important. When we are faced with uncertainty in our lives, even the idea of starting something new and challenging might feel scary. Give yourself permission to experiment and play. Allowing for creative self-expression is a worthy goal, even if it’s just for you.