Like exercise for your body, arts can strengthen your mind, boost your mood and possibly even improve your overall health. It’s true. A study published in Frontiers in Public Health, shows this very point: those who make art reported higher levels of mental health and general wellbeing compared to those who did not. What’s even more interesting is the fact that participants did not have to be good at their art to reap the benefits. The idea was to simply pick an art form that gives you joy, happiness, relaxation, etc.

You can even enjoy these benefits simply seeking out your surroundings. There is a new term coined for this phenomenon called neuroaesthetics, which is the scientific study of the neural consequences of contemplating a creative work of art such as the involvement of the prefrontal cortex (in thinking) and limbic systems (for emotions). To put it more plainly, art makes us happy!

The science and research comes at an important time as more Minnesotans are living longer and creating a need to find ways to spend their time that are beneficial to overall health. And, while a round of golf may not be physically possible as we age, sitting down in front of an easel to draw or paint is. The benefits of art go well beyond lifting spirits and are even being used in healthcare settings to address conditions like dementia and trauma.

We see this phenomena regularly at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts where the majority of our students during the week are ages 55 and older. We offer many disciplines including ceramics, painting, drawing, fiber, jewelry, sculpture, photography and more. We have even offered a monthly social program designed to create a community for people who have dementia, and their caregivers. The program was made possible through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Additionally, we recently offered a class titled, “Exploring Minneapolis Art.” Participants gain the knowledge necessary to get more comfortable and confident looking at, analyzing and talking about art through a practice of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). Participants learn to develop their own vocabulary for discussing artwork and then put that language into practice while visiting four museums: Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the Museum of Russian Art and the Weisman Art Museum.

Art is never just for the artistic, it is for everyone as its benefits are endless. Now that we’ve made the case of the impact of arts on your overall health and wellbeing, you might be wondering, “how do I incorporate the arts into my life?” There are several options.

Take an art class

Don’t worry about your skill level, instead try something that interests you as there are beginner level options available. Dabble in different types of art to find what most invigorates you! We have countless options here at Minnetonka Center for the Arts.

Create a daily arts “exercise”

Try and carve out 20 minutes every day to enjoy any form of art. You could dance with the grandkids, listen to music, knit or even page through books from the library filled with paintings from Van Gogh, Monet or modern photography from Andreas Gursky or Annie Leibovitz. Open your laptop and simply search images under the terms: fine art, modern photography or public art pieces.

Find art in the everyday

Think of the Minneapolis skyline at dusk or the light glistening off the dew on your grass at dawn. Think about color, light, texture, movement, form and space. We are surrounded by art in our everyday lives if we just take a moment to consider it.

You can even head to the mall to see free art! Minnetonka Center for the Arts has partnered with Ridgedale Center for “Partners in Art” which is a program that brings visual art exhibits to the public spaces at Ridgedale, allowing for the artwork curated by Minnetonka Center for the Arts to be seen by millions of visitors each year allowing increased opportunities for regional artists to display and sell their artwork.

Whatever way you decide to bring art into your life, consider the possibilities and the health benefits! Research shows sculpting a life that incorporates art is truly a masterpiece!

Roxanne Heaton, is the Executive Director of Minnetonka Center for the Arts.