Wellesley Society of Artists To Host Two “Art and Wellness” Programs

This spring, the Wellesley Society of Artists (WSA) is hosting two “Art and Wellness” programs presented in partnership with the Wellesley Free Library and supported, in part, by a grant from the Wellesley Cultural Council.

Throughout the millenia, the arts have played a key role in the cultural life of our communities. There is little doubt that the arts can also play an important role in our own health as well as the health of our communities. Integrating the arts into our lives can help support well-being in a myriad of ways. We hereby bust the myth that one has to have artistic talent or receive formal training in order to appreciate or participate in the arts. Art is for everyone. With this in mind, the WSA invites you to attend these upcoming events to experience and learn more about the benefits of art.

Zentangle Drawing Workshop
Monday, March 25, 2024
6:30-9:00PM
At the Wellesley Free Library (Wakelin Room)
Instructor: Eddie Bruckner, Visual Artist and Art Educator

Need to De-Stress? Bring your friends and family members, or come on your own for a fun evening of Zentangle drawing. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun method of creating beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Imagine drawing doodles and creative patterns combined with mindfulness, creativity, and fun! Zentangling heightens focus and creativity, while providing enjoyment and an increased sense of personal well-being. No artistic ability or previous drawing experience is required! You will receive step-by-step instruction, learning a variety of “tangles” (patterns) and how to combine these in your own unique way. All supplies will be provided, including extras so that you can continue your Zentangle drawings at home. Limited to 25 participants. Sign Up Requested.

Training, Eyes, Minds, and Hearts: Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) and the Art of Healthcare
Date: April 4, 2024
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
At the Wellesley Free Library Wakelin Room
FREE and Open to the Public
Presenter: Corinne Zimmermann, Museum Educator and Consultant

This is the second “Art and Wellness” program presented by the Wellesley Society of Artists - also in partnership with the Wellesley Free Library and supported, in part, by a grant from the
Wellesley Cultural Council.

There is a growing call for the integration of the arts and humanities with medicine. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, the arts and humanities have a “unique and unrealized role in preparing and equipping physicians for 21st century challenges.” For over a decade, the number of partnerships between art museums and healthcare organizations - including medical schools, hospitals, and clinics - has been growing. In this interactive presentation, museum educator Corinne Zimmermann will share how Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) and museum-based teaching practices are being used in medical schools and healthcare organizations to hone observational and critical thinking skills, improve team dynamics, cultivate empathy, and support well-being. VTS encourages closer looking at a work of art in which all observations are valued and there are no wrong answers. Practicing VTS removes any barriers that may exist between the viewer and the work of art.

Corinne is co-author of Activating the Art Museum: Designing Experiences for the Health Professions (Rowman & Littlefield). She co-founded the Harvard Macy Art Museum based Health Professions Education Fellowship, a pioneering professional development program that introduces innovative ways to use the arts to advance health professions educational goals, skills and mindsets. She is co-founder of VTS@Work and is currently co-teaching Training Our Eyes, Minds, and Hearts: VTS for Health Care Professionals through Harvard Medical School’s Continuing Education Program.