Art + Wellness
Art-based programs have the powerful ability to help reduce stress, increase empathy, and foster an overall sense of well-being. The Crocker's Art + Wellness programs provide new opportunities to create community and connection through art experiences.
Art + Wellness programs at the Crocker Art Museum are made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Art + Wellness Programs
People living with chronic pain and their family, friends, and caregivers are invited to explore the wonders of art and the creative mind. Participants enjoy the simple pleasure of art viewing in the Crocker's galleries as a trained docent facilitates group conversations about select works. No prior art knowledge is necessary. This program takes place in person at the Museum and via Zoom.
Calm your mind and discover the art of the Crocker in new ways with local meditation practitioners. Enjoy the experience in-person at the Museum or through gentle, Zoom-based guided meditations on our YouTube channel.
Enjoy the tranquility of the Crocker and move through a gentle 45-minute yoga flow and art experience facilitated by a trained instructor. Offered as part of Art + Soul Sundays.
Spend time making art in an open-studio format grounded in mindfulness, gratitude, and personal expression with a trained instructor.
Against the backdrop of a peaceful Crocker gallery, reflect and make space for new thoughts and ideas as an instructor guides you through a meditative writing experience. Supplies are available.
Slow-flowing movement and deep rhythmic breathing characterize this relaxing experience with the art of the Crocker. Yoga mats are encouraged.
In this immersive sound meditation hosted in the Museum's Historic Ballroom, retune your body, mind, and soul through vocals and healing sounds.
Crocker Together Results and Resources
For the last three years the Crocker has been honored to host a variety of Art + Wellness activities supported in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This multi-phase project allowed the Museum to research, reconsider, redesign longstanding wellness programs, introduce new experiences, and partner with several community organizations to identify how to better serve and build our audience. During the past three years, the Museum offered free, specialized art and wellness programming and activated community partners to help engage valued audiences.
Now we're happy to share with the museum field and those beyond a comprehensive suite of resources that outlines our process and may make similar projects at other institutions possible. From an in-depth evaluation of our audiences to ideation on areas for growth and evolution, to execution of onsite and offsite program offerings, to a culminating evaluation of our progress, we hope our colleagues and partners find these materials valuable as you work to meet the needs of your unique communities.
Resources include a comprehensive Art + Wellness Implementation Guide and several community focus group materials. In addition, please find our preliminary and final findings, completed by a professional evaluation partner who offered insights into the strengths of a program, suggested improvements, and articulated the perception and experience of participants.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant (#CAGML-248194-OMLS-21). The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the final summative report do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
