Take an Art Break

Send us a textIn this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Bethel Afework, the founder and director of a thriving recreational art center, to explore how art can be a powerful connector across cultures, generations, and backgrounds. She shares how creativity often transcends spoken language—allowing people to express themselves, connect with others, and build a sense of belonging in their communities.Whether you're passionate about community impact, curious about the deeper role of the arts, or dreaming of starting your own arts center, this conversation is full of wisdom, heart, and practical advice. Don't miss her actionable tips for turning a creative vision into a welcoming, inclusive space for all. More from Bethel and Alcove Centre for the Arts here: https://www.alcoveartscentre.ca/Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us a textLisa and Lauren talk with Anna Reyner about the magic of making art together as a group and what happens to the individual and the community as a whole when people sit down and get creative together. Art is the "secret sauce" that breaks down boundaries between strangers and helps them connect with one another. Anna also speaks to the benefit of teaching caretakers, social workers, nurses, teachers and other service providers how to use art as a tool for stress relief, trauma informed care, and social emotional development. Learn more about Anna and her work at https://www.creativeplayla.com/Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us a text Lisa and Lauren are joined by Stacie Aamon Yeldell to discuss the ongoing situation in Los Angeles, California, following the wildfires. They reflect on the devastating impact on local communities and the emotional toll on residents as they navigate recovery challenges, including temporary displacements, uncertainty about rebuilding their homes, and potential environmental changes affecting the area in the future. This is the first episode of a two-part podcast series with Stacie. It begins by exploring the importance of discussing trauma and normalizing the emotions surrounding it. The conversation then shifts to finding a path toward healing by learning how to ask yourself, "What do you need?" and meeting those needs with the resources available. The second episode will delve deeper into Stacie's workbook, offering guidance and hope to the LA community and beyond. Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us a textLisa and Lauren chat with current President of The American Art Therapy Association, Founder of Creative Studio, and Professor of Continuing Education at the Anáhuac University in Mexico City, Nadia F. Paredes (https://www.artfooddreamers.com/)  and the positive impact that can have on them, their community, and the world. They also talked about the challenge of when a creative person hits a wall, falls into a funk and that not making art is also part of the process of creating and making art. If your someone who has never considered themselves creative or if you are feeling a creative block, this podcast is for you. Check it out. Lauren mentions a past podcast episode, and you can listen to that conversation at https://artismoving.org/feed-your-creative-life/Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us a textLisa and Lauren chat with a few of this year's Art Break Day hosts about their experience hosting and what tips they have for anyone thinking of joining the Art Break Day event next year. Admittedly, we had several issues with this podcast, both technical and schedule wise. Check out the webpage to get written reflections from some of this year's hosts. And, feel free to learn more about Art Break Day here: https://artismoving.org/artbreakday/Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us a Text Message.Anger has been on the rise for the last several years. Erica Curtis, LMFT, ATR-BC noticed this in her own community and her own research. Knowing that she can people manage anger, she felt as though that maybe there are other things we need to do with anger - express it, harness it, soothe it, have a conversation with it and so much more. Check out her recent book, "Working Through Anger Creatively," that inspired this conversation. Check out the book and more from Erica at https://therapywitherica.com/books-articles/Support the Show.Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Send us a Text Message.Lisa and Lauren chat with the creators of Recipes for Connection (https://www.recipesforconnection.com/) about the benefits of the arts when it comes to social emotional learning in schools. Dr. Jessica Bianchi and Amber L. Cromwell share some of their art-based social and emotional strategies to support student mental health, strengthen relationships and create positive school communities.  Support the Show.Learn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Lisa and Lauren chat with Jenny and Stephanie, co-founders of Creative Nector Studio (https://www.creativenectarstudio.com/) about why creativity is the answer for them, why it might be the answer for you, and how you can let go of judgement and face your fear surrounding the act of making art or what making art might make you confront.Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

As their 16th year of collaboration gets underway, Lisa and Lauren, the artists behind Art is Moving, reflect on why they are still here. Why are they still working together and collaborating as Art is Moving to get everyone to join the Take an Art Break Movement?Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Lisa and Lauren chat with The Calling, three women artists following a call....a call back to the feminine. The conversation starts with the question, "Can art shift a paradigm?" and leads in many directions including an introduction and encouragement to be a part of their latest project, The 6000 Circle Project. Learn more about The Calling, The 6000 Circle Project and the 3 artists behind it here: https://www.instagram.com/the6000circle_project/ Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Lisa and Lauren talk with Katherine Josten, founder of The Global Art Project for Peace, and discuss the relationship between making art and creating peace in the world. Can one individual change the world through art? Listen to the conversation and let us know what you think. Learn more and join The Global Art Project for Peace at https://www.globalartproject.org/Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

Lisa and Lauren continue their conversation about what happens to you when you make art part of your daily life. Today's conversation revolves around your soul and what happens to your soul, your spirit, when you make art. Have a story or comment to share regarding this question? Feel free to comment below or reach out through our website at https://artismoving.org/Support the showLearn more about the Take an Art Break Movement on the Art is Moving website here.

As we continue the conversation in regards to the positive impact art can have on you, let's dive in to what happens to your body when you make art. Listen to Amy Li, founder of Dance4Healing, as she talks about her personal experience with art and it's healing powers and her current NIH study developing an intergenerational telehealth program for minority diabetes patients and their care partners to increase engagement and reduce health disparities. From dance and movement to voice recognition and artificial intelligence, Amy Li has found a way to combine her passion for arts and healing with her background in design and computer technology to create a personal healing art program for healthcare patients.More information here: https://dance4healing.com/ - join the NIH study here: https://nihstudy.dance4healing.com/Support the show

Lisa and Lauren, Co-founding Directors of Art is Moving, chat with Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen about their new book, "Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us." A great deal is covered in the conversation including how the education system fails students when it comes to taking an art break, why fear plays a huge role in understanding the positive impact of art, and much more. Watch the conversation or listen to it on most podcast platforms. We all have a sense that the arts are “good for us.” Now, we have a deeply researched and engaging new book that explains why. Arts and aesthetic experiences rewire the brain—with significant implications for addressing the global health and wellbeing crisis. The arts are also a catalyst for helping us to flourish, build strong communities and learn better—even doctors are prescribing museum visits!In Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us (March 21, 2023; Random House), co-authors Susan Magsamen, Founder and Director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Ivy Ross, Vice President of Design for the hardware product area at Google, explain the emerging field of neuroaesthetics and what it means for our lives. Neuroarts is the study of how arts and aesthetic experiences change the brain, body, and behavior and how this knowledge can be translated to advance health and wellbeing for billions of people. Pouring over the data, Magsamen and Ross found that just 20 minutes of art a day makes a huge difference as either the maker or the beholder. Think: Singing in the shower. Microdosing coloring books. Dipping into a sound bath between meetings. Forest bathing over lunch. Through the power of these aesthetic experiences, circuits and neuropathways in your brain are activated, altering a cascade of physical and mental changes including anxiety and stress. Short bursts of art—no talent required—will enhance your life, whether you are eight or 80 years old. In fact, one or more art experiences a month can extend your life by ten years. Packed with dozens of studies and interviews with leading scientists and artists including David Byrne, Your Brain on Art shows how to take advantage of everyday art and aesthetic experiences, including: Sound: how vibration and frequencies are being used to optimize creativity and cognitionArchitecture: why the built environment affects how we think, feel and performVisual Arts: how painting and mask making can alleviate PTSD and trauma  Nature: how access to the natural world relieves stress and anxiety Dancing: why people with Parkinson's Disease and stroke have improved movement Music: how what we hear has a profound effect on your memory Thanks to Your Brain on Art, we are now proving that the arts are not just nice to have—they are essential to our very survival. We'll be in touch soon to discuss coverage possibilities with you. More at https://www.yourbrainonart.com/Support the show

Art is Moving chats with John Brandon Sills about how he personally moves through fear to make his art and how you can do it too. For more from John, visit: http://johnbrandonsillsfineart.com/Support the show

Lisa and Lauren, Co-founding Directors of Art is Moving talk about what AIM accomplished this year as well as what questions were covered on this season's podcast episodes.All of this year's conversations can be listened to on our website at: artismoving.org/podcastConsider donating to Art is Moving so we can continue to make the world better, one art break at a time. DONATE HERE: artismoving.org/donateSupport the show

Lisa and Lauren catch up with Deane Bowers again to get an update about the Together While  Apart Project and the fundraising campaign to benefit health and wellness for nurses that sprung from it. Deane has found herself diving deep into and out of her own fears and is using art as a catalyst for positive change in herself and the community. All of her current projects can be found on her website: https://deanevbowersart.com/Support the show

Lisa and Lauren talk with Barbara Vaughan about her experience using art to help people find their way back to themselves when their lost, feel their future has been pre-determined and dread it, or want to know why they feel what they feel and what they can do about it. If you are into psychology, art therapy, the healing power of art, positive transformation stories or are looking for a new way to engage with art or your clients, check it out.Support the show

Lisa and Lauren chat with Esther Maloney (https://carmelfutures.com/) about the seasons of creativity and how important all of them are to ones creativity. The ups, downs and in between activities, emotions, and thoughts are part of your work. Ideas for making the most out of your day to day life are given in support of the cycle that is life and creativity and art and everything all at once.Support the show

Lisa and Lauren chat with Noelle Imparato about how painting saved her life and her upcoming book that explains that process and provides insight into how creativity can help quiet your ego so you can have an honest conversation with yourself. Connect with Noelle and learn more about Painting For Life by emailing her at: noelleimparato@gmail.com Support the show

"I spent so much time as a child not being able to express my curiosity, I owe it to myself to put that into some form of words." - Shanta Lee GanderDuring this conversation, Shanta Lee, Lisa, and Lauren chat about the multi-faceted levels of storytelling. From the stories we tell ourselves about our own lives, to history and what has been left out to the story we can create and become. From mythology to reality to to time travel to identity and taking back yourself, there's so much that's unpacked and still being processed. Witness this conversation as a all three women wander with one another into many aspects of being, writing, creating, art, and so much more. From the act of writing it all down and collecting memories in order to reflect or just doing it for the sake of doing it and all the in between, this conversation has something for everyone and is worth the deep dive, even into the fear and the unknown. You'll discover something new. Check out her website here: https://www.shantaleegander.com/Support the show

Lisa and Lauren of Art is Moving discuss art and spirituality with Michelle Favreault of RiteHereNow (https://riteherenow.com/). Michelle dives into her experience with using art as a tool to focus, how art can be used when you don't have the vocabulary to express with words, how art can teach you about yourself and someone else at the same time and so much more. Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren chat with Ping Ho, MA, MPH the Founder and Director of UCLArts & Healing whose mission is to transform lives through creative expression by integrating the innate benefits of the arts with mental health practices for self-discovery, connection, and empowerment. Listen as they deep dive into the reasons art is such a powerful tool for boundary breaking and bridge building and how we as individuals and a community can use art to connect with ourselves and each other and live well. Check out UCLArts & Healing at https://uclartsandhealing.org/Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren chat with Heidi Basch-Harod, Executive Director of Women's Voices Now about the positive impact creating space for women to share their experience through film has on the individual artist, the viewer, their community, and the world at large.Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren revisit Season 2 of the Take an Art Break Podcast to discuss the evolution of their ongoing and organic conversation. From a viral art performance to intentional journaling, Art is Moving talked about art breaks from many angles. Check out Season 2 for inspiration when you're not feeling the art break, to get tips on what you can do to spark your creativity, to learn how art can make your work day better, to find out what happens when you start making art part of your daily basis and so much more. What should we talk about this year? Do you have an art question you'd like to chat with us about or just want us to dive deep into sometime this year? Great! Email us at takeanartbreak@artismoving.org and tell us!Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Art is Moving Co-Founders Lisa and Lauren had a thought provoking conversation with Mari L. McMarthy of Create Write Now and dove deep into why journaling help you understand the "issues in your tissues" and how to start even when you are terrified of what might happen. Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

In today's Take an Art Break Podcast episode, Lisa and Lauren chat with Gretchen Miller (http://www.gretchen-miller.com/) about art, art therapy, how an art therapist can help you find that art break that works for you, how art can help us heal, and how art is both personal and universal all at once.Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Why is it important to remember how to play as an adult and how can an art break help you remember? Lauren talks about a book she's currently reading, called The Yes Brain, and how their definition of free play aligns with the definition and importance of taking an art break. Here's the book: https://www.tinabryson.com/theyesbrainSupport the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Check out our chat with Deane Bowers, the visionary behind the project "The Together While Apart Project." She talks about how Covid19 forced her to think outside the box as an artist and create projects that instigated connection in order to help herself cope while at the same time inspiring hope in others during a hard time. Learn more about this project here: https://deanevbowersart.com/Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren chat with Diane Williams (https://ianiworkshops.com/) about how art connects you with yourself, your ancestors and the rest of the world.Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

We chat with Diana Ryan from Diana Rose Studio (http://dianarosestudio.com/) about how she made art part of her neighborhood and city's daily life. Listen for a great tip on what to do when you create something you feel like smashing to the ground. Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren discuss ways you can take an art break even when you are traveling. Listen and discover ways to make your road trip even more special by adding some art in the mix. Have fun and safe travels!Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren dive deep into conversation with Deborah Epstein (https://deborahepsteinstudio.com/) and talk about peace and joy starting within, how art can help you find peace and joy, and where to start if you don't even know where to begin. Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

During this podcast episode, Lisa and Lauren continue their conversation about art with guest Sharon Burton from Spark your Creative (https://www.sparkyourcreative.com/). Sharon shares her personal story of coming back to art after years without it and provides advise to anyone looking to make art or something else a bigger part of their daily life. Lisa mentions the article 5 Fears That Can Destroy an Artist. That full article can be found here: https://skinnyartist.com/5-fears-that-can-destroy-an-artist/Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren chat about those days when you know you should take a break and make art, but you're just not feeling it. Listen for a few tips on how to get yourself to take an art break.Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

In this hour long conversation, the Co-founding Directors of Art is Moving discuss why art should be held as a high value for society and perhaps why it is not for everyone with 4 amazing art advocates:  Sharon Burton (https://www.sparkyourcreative.com/), Rae Luskin (https://www.thewinningadventure.com/), Beth Benson: (http://www.crestlinecreatrixmatrix.com/), and Shannon Gerrity: (https://www.findcreativeflow.com/).Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

 Not sure what an art break is or can be? Lisa and Lauren chat about the broad definition of an art break and the steps to take to find the perfect art break for yourself. Take a listen and then go take an art break.Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

If creativity is the number one skill valued for doing business, how can business create the conditions for creativity to happen? Lisa and Lauren chat with Creative Flow's Shannon Gerrity about her passion to make art part of every person's work day. More about Creative Flow: https://www.findcreativeflow.com/A few studies are mentioned during the podcast. Those are available for further reading on our website: http://artismoving.org/benefitsofart/Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Upon reflecting on the previous conversation and their guest, Beth Benson, offering permission and encouragement to folks out there to take an art break, Lauren began pondering why some people feel apprehensive about making art a part of their daily life. Lisa and Lauren have received several reactions from people over then years upon offering them an opportunity to take an art break. Sometimes the answer is "No." Ever curious, Lisa and Lauren discuss the reasons people have provided for not taking an art break in order to understand how, in the future, Art is Moving can turn their "No" into a "Yes." How do you feel about taking an art break? If you are apprehensive and your gut says "No" to art breaks, contact us and tell us more. Elaborate and help us help you find a way to take an art break. Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren chat with Beth Benson (https://bethbenson.com/) about what making art a part of her daily life has done for her in the past and how it is helping her live during a pandemic. This was recorded live via Facebook, so there we had conversations with folks making comments during the time of recording.Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

 Lisa and Lauren continue their ongoing and organic conversation along with special guest Rae Luskin and dive deep into using art to find your purpose.  Rae shares her personal story and how art guided her out of pain and suffering and into positive transformation and social change. You can find more information about Rae Luskin here: https://www.facebook.com/rae.luskinSupport the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren chat about what they define as a random act of art and why it is a powerful experience for both the artists and the viewer. Stay until the end to take an art break with Lauren and Lisa. Check out the links below to learn more about some of the artists and projects mentioned during this conversation.The Art Abandonment Project (https://www.michaeldemeng.com/​)Rachel Sussman and Sidewalk Kintsukuroi (http://www.rachelsussman.com/portfoli...​)Guerilla Gardening (http://www.guerrillagardening.org/​)Candy Chang (http://candychang.com/​)Art and Love Calendar (http://artismoving.org/artandeverythingcalendar/)Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren reflect on 2020 and some of the artwork and art projects that were created during the year.  Listen to the end of the podcast for a live guided art break by Art is Moving's Co-founding Director, Lisa Rasmussen.Check out the article they are discussing here: https://news.artnet.com/.../most-viral-art-of-2020-1930581Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren dive into their ongoing conversation to talk about why art is an important part of any self care ritual. It's always important to practice self care, but it seems even more important than ever right now. Take a listen and feel free to join the conversation. Lisa mentioned this article during today's conversation: https://www.npr.org/2019/12/30/792439555/making-art-is-good-for-your-health-heres-how-to-start-a-habitSupport the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren continue their conversation and discuss how art can help you tap into the emotion you are really feelings. Sometimes we don't know why we're feeling the way we feel or what to name our feeling. Taking an art break can help you discover your own emotions, get comfortable with them, and grow through them. Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

The day after the 2020 election in the United States, Lisa and Lauren chat about all of the emotions floating around because of it and what you can do to help yourself through a big change in life. Lisa mentions Zozobra, which you can read more about here.Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren discuss a women known as "Naked Athena" who walked in between protesters and federal agents on the 54th consecutive night of protests in Portland, Oregon. You can read more about the event here: https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2...Lisa was also reminded of Brené Brown (https://brenebrown.com/) and her quotes about vulnerability. "Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.""We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can't have both. Not at the same time. Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage."As always, feel free to join this ongoing conversation through our website: http://artismoving.org/podcast/Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren dive deeper into their discussion about the murals that have popped up on closed and boarded up storefronts due to the COVID19 pandemic and looting during protests in reaction to the murder of George Floyd. In this episode they discuss how making art and sharing your art can make the world a better place and why art is always an essential tool for every society. Lisa mentions this mural here: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/may/19/artists-murals-coronavirus-santa-monicaLauren mentions this piece by the artist Cleo Wade: https://withlovecleo.com/collections/home-page-collection/products/where-to-begin-printLauren also mentions this poll in the Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/manpower/8-in-10-singaporeans-willing-to-pay-more-for-essential-servicesSupport the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

In light of current events, Lisa and Lauren discuss how art can advance a social movement. Lauren mentions this image (https://facebook.com/sarahwillsphoto/photos/a.129251738480721/284389712966922/?type=3&theater) from Sara Wills Photo (https://www.facebook.com/sarahwillsphoto) of a young Black protester holding a sign further explaining what Black Lives Matter means.Here's a link to more information about Mapping Our Roles in a Social Change Ecosystem (https://buildingmovement.org/our-work/movement-building/solidarity-is/)Lauren mentions YelloPain (https://www.instagram.com/tv/CAsmiv7Bcne) and his thoughts about the George Floyd killing being filmed.Other artists mentioned:Kara Walker (http://www.karawalkerstudio.com/)Banksy (https://www.banksy.co.uk/)Shepard Fairey (https://obeygiant.com/)If you're interested in taking an art break like the one mentioned in this podcast, here are a few options for murals to concentrate on for at the very least 5 minutes. (You can find tons more by google searching "George Floyd Art" and looking at images).https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/new-york-city-artist-creates-powerful-george-floyd-tribute-in-phoenix https://abc13.com/george-floyd-donkeeboy-donkeemom-mural/6226472/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/nadjasayej/2020/06/04/the-story-behind-the-mural-at-the-george-floyd-memorial If you're interested in making your own Social Justice Art, feel free to use this guide: https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/political-art/five-steps-to-make-your-own-political-art/Look at more Social Justice Art here: https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/art_socialjustice/Join the conversation at http://www.artismoving.org/podcastMore resources: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/https://thekingcenter.org/https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/investigations/police-shootings-database/https://theactionpac.com/Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren continue their conversation and talk about how art connects neighbors, communities, cities, and the world. But, how can we feel connected to one another during a pandemic that has had us physically isolated? And, even though some communities are starting the slow trickle towards a new normal the feeling of isolation is still present as we wear masks and practice social distancing. Listen for ideas on how to connect in a world that is standing 6 feet apart from one another. There are even a few ways you can take an art break at the grocery store. Yep, you heard me correctly, the grocery store. We mention a few projects that have been sparked by COVID19 during the podcast and are listing even more below:Project ApARTBack To The StreetsMinestry of Silly Walks SignThe Unlonely ProjectOne PhillyAttend an Online Art EventMy Window, Our WorldKids making art for their neighborsDisney Chalk Art#AntiSocialArtShowFeel free to share more projects with us!Support the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)

Lisa and Lauren continue their ongoing and organic conversation about art during times of crisis (as they are currently living through COVID19). This specific question was inspired by the recent article, 9 Issues People Are Bringing Up Most In Therapy During Coronavirus. During the conversation they share their personal experience with anxiety and several ways you can take an art break to help reduce your own anxiety. You can read the research behind art reducing anxiety by visiting: www.artismoving.org/benefitsofartSupport the show (http://artismoving.org/donate/)