Opening Minds Through Art.  Cedar Village, a southwestern Ohio long-term care facility, partnered with the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University for "Opening Minds through Art," a program based on the principle that individuals with dementia are capable of expressing themselves creatively. Opening Minds is founded on strengths-based psychology, capitalizing on what people with dementia can do. The sessions promote social engagement, autonomy and dignity for people with dementia providing creative and self-expressive opportunities. (read the full story here).    

Songwriting Works!   A Washington State non-profit works with seniors to create songs using the words and voices of participants.  The results are uplifting, affirming and a joy to hear and behold. Watch the video here.  Read the full story here.  

Young artist at Kids Arts Palooza, VB, 2009

An inspirational video from Seattle Children's Hospital shows how a music therapist reaches a young patient, with tremendous benefits. View the video here. To amplify, a great article about the benefits of therapeutic music on about.com is here. 

Art with Heart heals children who have emotional wounds through expressive, therapeutic books and programs.  Their books combine engaging art with therapies that help kids cope with overwhelming feelings even in the midst of a crisis. In this way, Art with Heart supports their emotional and social growth, paving the way for success in school and in life.  Read about this inspiring program here. 

Food for Thought:  The arts cultivate a healing environment, helping patients address the mental and emotional aspects of recovery.