arts
MUSE MAGAZINE
By Maddi Andrews
WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
I first plunged into the therapeutic arts during my fourth year, when I interned at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. My project involved researching how museums could provide spaces for wellness and support the local community. Shortly into my research, I stumbled upon Art Hives.
Given the new global climate, self-care has never been a more vital pillar of health and wellness. For some people, baking cookies reduces stress. For others, playing video games leaves them feeling rejuvenated. For me, creativity offers solace and relaxation. Whenever I am feeling anxious, I grab my watercolour paints and collage supplies, hoping to get lost in the vibrant world of colour and design. I always knew that artmaking could transform my mood and alleviate tension, but I also discovered that creativity could offer something entirely different. 12
JAN 2021 - APRIL 2021
What’s the buzz about Art Hives? Art Hives are community-based art studios. They are safe spaces where people gather to create, engage in conversation, and foster a sense of community. They pride themselves in offering an environment not only for artmaking, but for positive mental health practices. There are countless advantages of creativity for wellness, and an entire professional field – art therapy – has developed around the benefits of artmaking. Cathy Malchiodi, a leading expert in the healing arts, defines art therapy as “the application of the visual arts and the creative process within a therapeutic relationship, to support, maintain, and improve the psychosocial, physical, cognitive and spiritual health of individuals of all ages. It is based on current and emerging research that art making is a health-enhancing practice that positively impacts the quality of life.”
