PULLMAN, Wash. - The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU is collaborating with Pullman Regional Hospital using virtual exhibitions, current exhibitions, and resources from the permanent collection to engage the Pullman community in a conversation about art, health, and healing.
This collaboration is in keeping with the 5-year Memorandum of Understanding signed by Pullman Regional Hospital and Washington State University in November 2018.
"Research shows that experiencing art reduces stress and anxiety, increases positive emotions, and decreases the likelihood of depression," said WSU President Kirk Schulz. "What a wonderful antidote for the current pandemic. We're delighted to partner with Pullman Regional Hospital to offer this uplifting program to our community."
Broadly organized under the theme "Art & Healing," the exhibitions and programs are chosen and planned with the wider Pullman community, Pullman Regional Hospital staff, and patients in mind. The offerings address the following questions around engaging in art and making art:
- How does art keep us healthy?
- How does art help with therapeutic and healing processes?
- How is art related to mindfulness and meditation?
- How does art inspire and inform those who are ill, injured, or otherwise in need of healing?
- How does art inspire and inform medical professionals and caregivers?
To address these questions, the museum is offering an Art & Healing Virtual Exhibitions webpage. The artworks featured on this page-selected from recent exhibitions-draw attention to the therapeutic aspects of visual, auditory, tactile, and spatial art experiences.
"Both institutions are committed to our community's well-being, and it is exciting to develop a program together connected to themes of art, health, and healing," said Ryan Hardesty, executive director of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU.
