BROOKINGS — The South Dakota Art Museum Guild programs for 2023-24 have been selected to blur the boundaries of conventional art under the aegis of "Art Is…"

The Jan. 23 program is no exception. Art Therapist Carol Rogers and Art Activities Specialist Holly Evans will share their expertise on “Art Is … Medicine for the Soul: The Arts in Healthcare.”

The guild will host the presentation at 10 a.m. on Jan. 23 in the multipurpose room on the lower level of the art museum. The public is invited to come at 9:30 before the presentation for coffee and social time.

The audience will learn what art therapy entails and how it is used in the healthcare setting, primarily at the Avera Prairie Center in Sioux Falls, where both women work. They will touch on using visual arts with oncology patients/family/staff, art galleries, building design, music, massage therapy, and commissioned art that enhances the patient experience.

Rogers has been the Arts in Healing Program lead for the Avera Cancer Institute Sioux Falls since July 2009. Prior to this she was the art therapist for the Avera Behavioral Health Inpatient Child, Adolescent, Adult, Acute Adult and Senior programs from 1993 to 2016. She has been employed at Avera for over 30 years and implemented both the art therapy and arts in healing programs.

Rogers has a master of arts in art therapy from Wright State University and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Briar Cliff University. She says there are many benefits for using the arts in healthcare, but here are a few: elevate mood and cognitive skills; improve self-expression and coping skills; decrease pain, restlessness, depression; reduce anxiety, stress and loneliness.

Evans came to the Prairie Center after a 12-year career as a high school art teacher in Madison. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in education with an art education endorsement. Evans’ primary focus is creating projects with patients: art, crafts, and jewelry-making are all options patients can choose. She also plans activities for staff and monthly evening classes for patients and/or their loved ones.

Evans said, “By giving options for the patient to choose from and offering any help if needed sets the patient up for a positive experience. Ultimately, though, the purpose of creating is not about the end result, but to hopefully alleviate stress and create a bit of peace.”

Guild membership is open to all. Programs are the hallmark of monthly meetings September through May. Guild membership is not required to attend the free programs. However, $20 annual dues support these programs and the Guild Art Acquisition Fund.

The South Dakota Art Museum is at 1036 Medary Ave. in Brookings. Designated free parking is located on Harvey Dunn Street, just west of the museum.

For more information about art guild, contact Marsha Klein at 605-690-9198. For more information about the art museum, contact Carolyne Hart at 605-688-4313.