ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Healing Power of Art

Creative activities can relieve stress, slow decline

written by MARY ANNE BURKE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WASHINGTON COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

As this issue of “At Home Places” focuses on health and wellness, one can find multiple resources praising the benefits and the healing power of art.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Creative activities can relieve stress, aid communication and help arrest cognitive decline.”

During the recent pandemic, Maryland reimagined its art sector and communication. It supported the arts with additional dollars, virtual meetings, professional-development offerings, opportunities for artists and administrators to share best practices, virtual sessions to brainstorm and develop collegiality, and more.

According to Kelly M. Schulz, Maryland’s secretary of commerce, “By proactively investing in the social transformation provided by the arts, Marylanders will experience increased health and well-being as the result of an emboldened public spirit.”

As an example, the Maryland State Arts Council is providing Washington County art organizations with financial support for arts and entertainment operations; community arts development; creativity grants; emergency grants; Folklife Network programming; grants for organizations; Maryland Presenting and Touring; and professional development. Washington County is seeing the re-emergence of its art sector, performances, exhibits, education programs and more.

Promoting a healthy community, the Washington County Arts Council is again partnering with Washington Goes Purple by hosting an exhibit in September called “Symbolizing the Hope in Recovery through Purple.” The juried community art show addressing a major medical and social concern will be on display virtually and in the Arts Council Gallery through Sept. 28. As a community, we work at preventing addiction, eliminating stigma and building a strong support system for those in recovery. Join us in spreading hope that recovery is possible.

Another shining light for Washington County arts is emerging from the health pandemic. The City of Hagerstown is moving forward with additional public art installations along the Hagerstown Cultural Trail with the second “Faces of Hagerstown” photo mural exhibition and an aerial sculpture extending the trail to West Washington Street. As public art, they are for our entire community to enjoy.

Follow Washington County Arts Council at www.washingtoncountyarts.com and facebook.com/wcartscouncil.

For information on Maryland State Arts Council’s financial support for arts and entertainment operations, visit msac.org/ sites/default/ les/2021-03/MSACAnnualReport.pdf.