Engaging with art offers an opportunity to become more aware and appreciative of humanity—our own, each other's and in general. As such, art can serve as a vehicle to help us take care of ourselves. The Clark's Art & Wellness activities offer different ways of engaging with art that are designed to encourage self-care and a sense of wellbeing.
Draw me happy
Add a spark of joy into your daily life with these drawing prompts and explore your own creativity as a form of self-care. Draw Me Happy prompts are meant to be quick and informal drawings—no prior art experience needed! We encourage you to value the process over the finished product.
Detail of Celeste Coltellini Drawing, from Italian Sketchbook, Anne-Louis Girodet, 1790-95, black and red chalk. Bibliothèque nationale de France. RÉSERVE DC-48 (C)-4.
Pause and Reflect
We invite you to spend some time with our new guide to slow looking for self-awareness. Whether you print it out and bring it to the galleries, or use it while looking online, we hope you will enjoy this introspective approach to engaging with art.
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Detail of Itoigawa Morning, Yoshida Hiroshi, 1929, Color woodblock print. Gift of the Rodbell Family Collection, 2014. The Clark Art Institute, 2014.16.35.
Clark YOGA ONLINE
These three yoga practices are inspired by works in the Clark's collection. Interpreted by Mary Edgerton of Night Sky Yoga, they offer a creative, visceral and kinesthetic response to the art, and an opportunity to feel a sense of connection or oneness with the universe.
Feel free to practice these individually or in sequence to create a full-length class.
Gentle Yoga inspired by The Cliffs at Étretat by Claude Monet
Dynamic Yoga inspired by Rockets and Blue Lights (Close at Hand) to Warn Steamboats of Shoal Water by J.M.W. Turner
Yoga for Relaxation inspired by Autumn in Montclair by George Inness
Clark Journaling
Inspired by the Clark's collection, these writing prompts are intended to facilitate introspection and positive self-awareness—not "positive" in any evaluative sense of the word. Instead, they are designed to encourage appreciation of the many dimensions that comprise ourselves. A new prompt will be added at the beginning of each month. If you have an idea for a writing prompt based on a Clark object, please share it with us. We encourage you to share your responses with a friend or family member to connect and get to know them better.
SEPTEMBER:
LEISURE AND LABOR
October:
Natural interest
NOVEMBER:
SOLITUDE AND NIGHT
DECEMBER:
THE ART OF MYSTERY
Spend time on the Clark's Campus
The Clark's campus is open for visitors to enjoy every day of the year and can provide an oasis away from your busy day-to-day life. Picnic around our reflecting pool, venture into the woods to discover new trails, and engage with our outdoor installations.
We'd love your feedback!
If you’re enjoying these activities (or if you have suggestions for us) we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions or comments. We value you and your experiences with the Clark!