When Art Has the Power to Heal: Virtual Exhibits Connect Viewers with Survivors’ Experiences

Creating and viewing art has been a form of therapy throughout history. Before I came to LifeWay Network, I worked at a family shelter where I consistently found art to be the favorite subject among the children surveyed in the afterschool program. Initially, I thought that the finding was interesting, as the same youth were engaged in a number of fun activities including smoothie-making during science to learn about nutrition, and building robots during their designated technology time. Yet art always remained the favorite subject. On second thought, I suppose the finding isn’t that surprising because, who doesn’t love art? It is a meditative activity, and also a different way to learn about the experiences of others.

Additionally, there is ample evidence that “engagement with artistic activities, either as an observer of the creative efforts of others or as an initiator of one’s own creative efforts, can enhance one’s moods, emotions, and other psychological states as well as have a salient impact on important physiological parameters.” (1) For this reason, art is an important healing and meditative activity for staff and survivors in our safe houses. LifeWay partners with organizations such as CrossingPoints Arts to bring the arts to our residents.