Hillsboro Promotes Wellness Through Art in Cultural Arts District

The City of Hillsboro is fostering wellness through art in its Cultural Arts District, providing residents with opportunities to engage in creative activities that promote mental and emotional well-being. This initiative highlights the therapeutic power of art, aiming to enhance the quality of life for community members.

Art as a Tool for Healing

According to Julio Badel, the Parks & Recreation Cultural Arts and Outreach Supervisor, art plays a significant role in stress relief and emotional expression. “Art has the ability to release stress, emotion, energy, and create meditative mindsets,” Badel stated. The district hosts various classes at venues like the Walters Cultural Arts Center, where residents can participate in yoga, ceramics, and painting. These programs are designed to blend creativity with overall wellness.

Badel emphasized the importance of the arts for personal expression, stating that they provide a cognitive, emotional, and physical experience that is essential for all cultures. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for creative outlets as part of a holistic approach to health.

Integrating Art with Therapy

At the Ancora Wellness Center on Lincoln Street, owner Kara Kazemba is pioneering the integration of art with therapeutic practices. She offers services such as ecotherapy and art therapy, which are intended to promote mindfulness and self-care. Kazemba noted, “In a culture that often pushes productivity over creativity, making space for art is a radical act of self-care and protest; one that affirms our wholeness.” This perspective underscores the essential role that creativity can play in mental health.

Additionally, the Cultural Arts District features nature-inspired art classes led by Elizabeth Higgins and senior-focused programs at the Hillsboro Community Senior Center. Initiatives like Canvas and Coffee and Material Girls cater specifically to older adults, recognizing the benefits of artistic engagement as people age. As Melissa Thompson, the center’s manager, pointed out, “Art and creativity are essential to healthy aging.”

Through these programs, Hillsboro is not only promoting artistic expression but also fostering a supportive community environment that values mental health and well-being. The Cultural Arts District stands as a testament to the positive impact of creativity on personal and communal health.