The Healing Power of Art

BY DR. ELISA ADAMS & CYNTHIA BAUDENDISTEL

Throughout history, people have turned to art for inspiration, solace, escape, and healing. Scientific studies around the world have confirmed what artists and art lovers have instinctively known: art has the power to heal. In fact, the National Library of Medicine reports more than 23,000 articles on the topic of art therapy have been published in the past 10 years.

Concordian and self-taught sculptor Elisa Adams began sculpting in 2004. Her work is exhibited worldwide as well as in national museums and galleries, and she has won numerous awards. A practicing chiropractor for 35 years, she sees art and the healing process going hand in hand. “Art is so important in the healing process that in my office I have a rotating gallery for my patients to enjoy.” The main comment from my patients is, “I feel so peaceful from the moment I enter your clinic.” Elisa not only balances her professional life with art making, she is also the current President of the New England Sculptors Association.

Elisa’s belief is that “Art reaches out across humanity to have conversations without need for words. Art builds communities and connections through sensing instead of thinking.” Elisa says, “Creating art is a respite from my external world and quiets my mind into a meditative state.” Elisa also sees art from the viewer’s lens, saying, “Viewing art is provocative, it stimulates a vibrancy and engagement that taps into deep places within.”

Indomitable Spirit

©Elisa Adams

Photographer Monika Andersson says, “Making art connects me to the flow of the world, present and aware. Whether I experience joy, grief, or silence, each creative act brings me closer to my original self.”

Growing up in Sweden, Monika came to Boston in 1979 to go to art school at Massachusetts College of Art and Design and went on to get her Master’s in Photography from the Yale School of Art. After graduating, she worked as a freelance and art photographer for the next 15 years, specializing in black and white film. In 2000, Monika began teaching photography at Groton School, in Groton, MA.

These days, Monika mostly does digital photography, which allows her to create images and collages that do not exist in the actual world. “At my school I also run an art gallery, and I am an active member in Concord Art. I have lived in Concord for 21 years now and love the beauty and spirit of this small town. There is a distinct feeling to it, as if the authors and thinkers that shaped this town, left behind their sense of mindfulness, spirit, and regard for nature.”

Starling Rescue

© Monika Andersson:

Concordian Holly Harrison is a mixed media artist whose work is exhibited internationally. “The thing about creativity is that it meets you wherever you are. When things are going well, things just seem to flow at the studio. But even when they aren’t, if you stay open to exploring different forms of expression, you can find ways to create that are surprising and ultimately satisfying,” Holly says.

Interestingly, Holly studied poetry in graduate school and had a career as a writer/editor for many years in New York, Massachusetts, and Singapore. She began to focus on visual art after her daughter was born and is now a full-time artist. Holly also serves on the board of trustees at the Concord Center for the Visual Arts.

Cry Me a River

©Holly Harrison

Art is everywhere in Concord, inspiring and bringing our community together. The Umbrella Arts Center, Concord Art, Village Art Room, and other studios provide Concordians with a place to create. For art lovers Concord Players, Concord Chamber Music, Concord Conservatory of Music, 51 Walden Performing Arts Center, The Umbrella Arts Center, Three Stones Gallery, Lucy Lacoste Gallery, and other venues provide performance and exhibition spaces in which we can observe, celebrate, and even participate in art.

Now as we face the isolation and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, why not learn a new art form? Take up painting, learn to play a musical instrument, learn to dance, write, sew, or garden. Creativity can be a wellspring of peace, discovery, and solace.

Dr. Elisa Adams has been in private practice as a chiropractor since 1984. For her, art and healing are deeply linked. Elisa is an internationally recognized stone sculptor and currently serves as the President of New England Sculptors Association.

Cynthia Baudendistel is co-founder of Voyager Publishing and Discover Concord.