April 15th is World Art Day! As an expressive arts therapist, I am proud to celebrate the importance of art and self-expression. Whether you’re curating a gallery, writing a ballad, watching your favorite documentary or painting a 28mm miniature for your next TTRPG session, art in all of its forms is something to be celebrated and appreciated. The hope with World Art Day is to foster creativity as an act towards peace, care and solidarity. It is also an occasion to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education. I hope that you take time this week to connect with yourself and others through the world of artistic expression. In fact, World Art Day is celebrated on April 15th every year as a nod to the birthday of artist - Leonardo da Vinci!
Consider taking time today and this week to celebrate art and help make it more accessible to the community and world around you by doing some of the following prompts below:
Visit a local art museum. A variety of art museums are free or low cost in the community including the Harvard Art Museum (free every day), the Institute of Contemporary Art (free on Thursdays), and the Museum of Fine Arts (free to university students, and $7 on the first weekend of the month if you’re a Bank of America card holder) among other institutions.
Find outdoor art. Sometimes appreciating art can be as close as stepping outside of your office or home. You can bring your own art supplies and make an image of what’s around you or visit outdoor, local art such as murals, community green spaces or botanical gardens, or temporary art installations in your neighborhood!
Watch a movie. Make time to watch your favorite movie whether in the theater or at home. If you enjoy the latest movie trends, then check out movies nominated for awards like the Emmys and Oscars to help you be aware of the latest storytelling experiences that were on the silver screen.
Check out live music. Whether a local musician playing outdoors, a band at a local restaurant, or a ticketed event at a stadium, engaging in live music can be a great way to celebrate the arts. Find your favorite band playing locally or invest in a new musician/singer/band who could become your newest favorite to appreciate and follow.
Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.
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