We've always believed our VK daily programming was ahead of the curve in many ways, and a recent book offers confirmation of the value of our focus on the arts! According to Professor Susan Magsamen, who is executive director of the International Arts + Minds Laboratory, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 45 minutes a day of any artistic activity can transform and extend your life.
Drawing, painting, singing, dancing, playing music, reading poetry, creative writing, knitting or crocheting, coloring, or whatever artistic pursuit you enjoy most is good for your brain, your immune system, your stress levels, and your overall health and wellbeing. The more emotionally engaged you are, the better. Work your favorite arts into each day following your own interests, the way we build our Adventures and Activities program around VK Members' interests, and you'll reap the benefits, no special training required. Art belongs to ALL of us.
VK members who participate in our Adventures & Activities program spend at least this much time each day engaging with various forms of art, and we hope you're able to do the same wherever you spend your days! If you know a Kitsap County teen or adult who has an intellectual or developmental disability, we'd love to include them in our VK A&A crew - You'll find more information about our program here. For ideas you can use if you're not able to join us as a VK member, read this article and check out the book written by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, Your Brain on Art.
