Why the arts?
I recently watched an episode of CBS Sunday Morning featuring a segment about the arts and their positive impact on health. Nothing in this episode was news to me. Art is not fluff. There are scientifically proven benefits of participating in the arts for both physical and mental health. Music has been shown to help patients with chronic pain, dementia, memory issues, depression, and anxiety.
In medical education, medical schools are offering courses in Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), similar to what the GFF participated in at the Frist Art Museum. For healthcare professionals, analyzing art can enhance clinicians' ability to observe, interpret, and diagnose medical conditions by honing their attention to detail, pattern recognition, and critical thinking skills. I am looking forward to attending a VTS facilitator conference with Dr. Margaret Chisolm from Johns Hopkins in April. I hope to bring these facilitator skills back to Nashville.
On a personal level, I have always felt how deeply music resonates with my soul. As a parent, my love and appreciation of all types of music allowed me to connect with my children. Owen and I shared a unique bond through music. Although neither of us were musicians, we both recognized the therapeutic benefit to listening to music. It became our way of connecting, especially during road trips—whether we were heading to a wrestling match or visiting college campuses. I would often try to impress him, along with Izzy and Charlie with my knowledge of contemporary artists and songs. Music brought us closer together, strengthened our bond, and gave us a language to express what words sometimes could not.
Owen was a visual artist. He noted in one of his college essay questions how art provided him an emotional outlet to help process complex emotions and provide emotional clarity. He noted art class was a “break from a busy and stressful school day”. Participating in art, can actually induce a “flow state” in full immersion and mimics meditation.
Growing up, I found that same benefits in theater. Among the “drama geeks”, I felt accepted, free to belt out a song or do a silly voice without embarrassment. Creative expression isn’t just an escape; it fosters emotional well-being, reduces stress, and creates a sense of accomplishment. It helped build confidence for me.
Sure, the competitive person in me wanted The Goldfinch Foundation to be front and center on that CBS show. The new Liz, however, is just happy to see the recognition of the importance of participating and appreciating all aspects of the arts is gaining interest and momentum. We hope you can join us at Illumination on April 13, 2025.
