In recognition of Arts & Health Month this November, West Windsor Arts is inviting youth artists to submit artwork aimed at preventing the spread of flu and elevating the benefits of gratitude.
MERCER COUNTY, NJ —Last November, in recognition of Arts & Health Month, about a dozen arts organizations in Mercer County, including West Windsor Arts, came together to form a coalition dedicated to generating awareness of the health benefits of the arts. Called Arts & Health Mercer, this initiative leveraged its collective resources and creative talents to present a series of programs, from poetry readings to walking meditations, musical performances to nature drawing workshops, aimed at boosting wellness.
This year, West Windsor Arts is expanding the reach and impact of its participation in the Arts & Health initiative by introducing several new programs, among them a partnership with the West Windsor Health Department. "We reached out to Jill Swanson, Health Officer at the Health Department, to explore ways to support their campaigns and serve as a resource," says Aylin Green, Executive Director of West Windsor Arts. "There were several campaigns where we could help, including creating a video for the West Windsor Township website with our fall animation class about hand-washing, building awareness during flu season, and promoting connection and gratitude toward veterans and seniors."
West Windsor Arts is now inviting youth, ages 5 to 12, to create artwork that represents the importance of getting a flu vaccine. Selected artwork will be exhibited at the health department throughout the month of November.
Teens, ages 13 to 18, will also have a chance to participate in the partnership. "We are inviting youth of all ages to participate in the township's campaigns by creating art," explains Green. "Our second call to artwork for Arts & Health is called 'Expressing Gratitude.'"
West Windsor Arts is asking teens to submit artwork, based on the theme of gratitude, to be made into coloring pages for seniors and to be part of an outdoor art installation to be displayed at the West Windsor Senior Center from November 6-30, 2024. A flu clinic will be held at the Senior Center on November 7th from 4 to 6 pm.
"Expressing gratitude can help improve our physical and emotional health. And so, too, can participating in the arts," adds Green. "What I love most about this project is that it brings together teens and seniors, two groups who may experience similar issues of depression and anxiety. We are dedicating the exhibit at the Senior Center just ahead of Veterans Day, as a tribute to their service. Everyone, both giver and receiver, benefits from sharing gratitude."
To be considered, teens need to submit up to three designs by October 21. The chosen pieces will be made into coloring pages to be distributed at the West Windsor Senior Center. Up to 30 pieces will be selected to be turned into painted lawn signs by the artists.
Open Call for Art: Dates and Submission Deadlines
Staying Healthy During Flu Season: Arts & Health Youth Installation
(Ages 5 to 12)
Submission dates: October 19 to 22, 10 am to 6 pm
Drop off artwork at West Windsor Arts, Art must be on 8.5 x 11 paper
Art on display: October 26 to November 30, 2024
Location: West Windsor Township Building
To learn more about the partnership, and how you can be a part of it, visit https://westwindsorarts.org/volunteer/
About West Windsor Arts
West Windsor Arts offers art and cultural events, workshops, and classes for all ages and in all disciplines at the West Windsor Arts Center and in the community. For more information, call 609.716.1931 or visit westwindsorarts.org.
Arts & Health Mercer is a coalition of arts and culture organizations in Mercer County, NJ, that came together to create a greater appreciation, understanding and experience of how the arts are integral to our health as individuals and communities.
Arts & Health Mercer seeks to raise awareness of the health benefits of the arts and provide access to these benefits through our programming during Arts & Health Month in November, and all year long. For more information, visit artshealthmercer.org.