Arts and Health Symposium Explores Impact of Creative Expression on Well-Being

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The intersection of the arts and health was the focus of the recent Arts and Health Symposium held on Saturday, organized by LexArts in collaboration with the Arts and Health Alliance of Central Kentucky. This event aimed to explore how various art forms can contribute to improved mental and physical well-being.

At the symposium, LexArts Vice President Nathan Zamarron emphasized the significance of integrating arts into healthcare practices. He highlighted the growing body of research that supports the effectiveness of the arts in creating healing environments and assisting individuals in coping with stress. “There’s a ton of research on how effective the arts can be in addressing healthcare needs and creating a healing environment,” Zamarron stated.

Topics covered at the symposium included the advantages of art therapy for individuals with cognitive impairments and the therapeutic role of art in the aftermath of traumatic events. Attendees were also introduced to resources provided by organizations like New Vista, which focus on mental health support through artistic expression.

“We’ve created these coloring sheets as a tool for individuals to express a range of emotions, whether through dialogue or simply reflecting on their feelings while coloring,” said Whitney Sampson, a community outreach specialist at New Vista. She emphasized that engaging with art can provide invaluable mental health benefits and foster a sense of community.

Claudia Love Mair, an attendee, expressed optimism about the symposium’s potential impact on the Lexington community, stating, “We’re all artists. We can use the arts to express ourselves, and in that expression, it heals us.” Her sentiments echoed the event’s goal of encouraging creative outlets as a means of personal healing and communal support.

Looking ahead, Zamarron announced that LexArts plans to continue hosting similar events throughout 2025, further emphasizing the importance of integrating the arts into health initiatives. The symposium served as a significant step towards recognizing and promoting the transformative power of arts in enhancing overall well-being.