Art and Wellbeing (Originally released December 18, 2024)

Donna Merkt, Director of the South Dakota Art Museum, shares insights into how art supports emotional, mental, and social wellness. The episode underscores how art—whether through creation, observation, or conversation—can contribute to individual wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and enrich campus and community life.  Student Learning Outcomes: 1. Students will be able to identify and describe the ways in which art positively contributes to emotional, mental, and social wellbeing. 2. Students will demonstrate practical ways to incorporate art into their lives as a means to promote personal wellbeing. 3. Students will reflect on how art serves as a tool for self-expression, processing emotions, and building social connections across diverse communities.   Processing Questions: 1. What are some of the key ways that art contributes to emotional and mental wellbeing? Can you think of examples from your own life where art has had a similar effect? 2. How does art help build a sense of community and connection among people? Can you think of any examples of public art or museum spaces where this happens? 3. Based on the podcast, what new practices or habits might you explore to integrate art into your personal wellbeing routine?