RMCAD's Take on Art Activities for Stress Relief, Self-Expression and Healing

As mental health awareness continues to grow nationwide, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) is highlighting the decisive role that creative art activities play in stress relief, self-expression and emotional healing. From painting and drawing to digital design and sculpture, artistic practices offer accessible pathways for individuals to process emotions, reduce anxiety and cultivate personal well-being.

Research consistently demonstrates that engaging in creative activities can lower cortisol levels, improve mood and provide a healthy outlet for difficult emotions. At RMCAD, the college's community of professional artists, designers and scholars witnesses these benefits as students use artistic expression to develop both professional skills and personal resilience. RMCAD has explored the connection between art and mental health through initiatives like their blog post on illustration for mental health awareness. (https://www.rmcad.edu/blog/illustration-for-mental-health-awareness-visualizing-the-human-experience/)

Several accessible art activities can be incorporated into daily wellness routines. Journaling with sketches or collage work offers a low-pressure way to process experiences. Watercolor painting provides a meditative, flow-based activity that encourages mindfulness. Even simple activities, such as adult coloring books or digital drawing apps, can create moments of calm and focus amidst hectic schedules.

"Art is visual poetry. Its language is so nuanced that one can express feelings that are deep, hidden, maybe even from themselves. Colors, shapes, light, dark - it all blends into a mood, a deep feeling - and seeing what comes out from under your hand can feel freeing, exhilarating!" - Ellie Rusinova, Associate Professor, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

The therapeutic benefits of art emerge from the creative process itself rather than requiring formal training or expensive materials. This philosophy aligns with RMCAD's commitment to helping individuals find their creative voice, regardless of where they are in their artistic journey.

For those interested in exploring art as a wellness practice or considering a creative career path, RMCAD offers BFA programs in 11 artistic fields designed to nurture both artistic skills and personal growth. Programs like RMCAD's illustration degree (https://www.rmcad.edu/academics/program/online/illustration/) (https://www.rmcad.edu/academics/program/on-campus/illustration/) equip students with the technical and conceptual skills necessary to utilize visual storytelling for both personal expression and professional success. Learn more about RMCAD's approach to creative education at rmcad.edu.

Source: Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Contact: Jenna Heil, jheil@rmcad.edu, Joe Rubald, jrubald@rmcad.edu
Address: 1600 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80214

Founded in 1963, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) (https://www.rmcad.edu/) is an accredited institution of higher education that offers 11 affordable, art and design BFA degree programs, ranging from illustration, to interior design, animation, fashion design, and more. RMCAD serves its students from a 23-acre campus in Lakewood, Colorado, but also virtually, as a leader in online education for more than a decade, providing flexibility and convenience for the busy student. Students learn from professors who are also working artists and provide valuable real-world industry knowledge, advice, and connections to help students prepare for their career ahead.

This release was published on openPR.