Art as Medicine

Growing research suggests that art can be a powerful tool for healing. For example, a study of hospitalized people found that participating in art therapy for an average of 50 minutes significantly improved their moods, and lowered levels of pain and anxiety.

Art therapy offers a supportive, evidence-based approach to improving mental, emotional, and even physical well-being, with very few, if any, side effects. Engaging in art-making has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, increase confidence, and foster a stronger sense of self. Whether practiced individually or in groups, art therapy can also enhance social connection and encourage active participation in one’s own healing.

Benefits of Art Therapy

• Reduction of anxiety
• Increased sense of connection to others
• Empowering
• Creates movement and activation
• Helps with insight
• Form of expression beyond words

Art Therapy for Community & Care: Navigating Health Conditions 

This class offers a supportive, adaptive space for individuals living with chronic health conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and more. This group uses creative expression as a therapeutic tool to support emotional well-being, stress reduction, and meaningful connection.

Each session includes guided art-making experiences designed to accommodate a range of physical abilities while encouraging self-reflection, relaxation, and personal expression. The focus is on the creative process rather than artistic outcome, with flexibility, comfort, and choice prioritized throughout.

Through regular participation, this group may support:

• Emotional expression and coping
• Stress reduction and relaxation
• Adapted creative engagement that supports physical comfort
• Connection with others navigating similar health experiences
• Resilience and overall well-being 

Who This Class Is For: This class is designed for adults living with chronic or neurological health conditions who are seeking a creative, therapeutic approach to managing stress and fostering connection. No prior art experience is necessary; participants are encouraged to engage at their own pace and comfort level.

Series Details:

• Where: Osher Wellness Suite Gathering room located on the 5th floor of the UC Blood Cancer Healing Center (3232 Healing Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45229) with free parking available in the attached garage.
• When: Summer Session: Summer Session May 11 – June 29, 2026, Weekly on Mondays 1-2:30 p.m.
• What You Need: All supplies provided thanks to generous support from Strikeout MS and the Weaver Family.
• Cost: Sliding Scale Fee
  Per Class: $5 Community Care, $10 Sustainer, $15 Supporter
  Per 5-Class Pack: $22 Community Care ($4.40/class), $45 Sustainer ($9/class), $70 Supporter ($14/class)
• Registration: Registration is required via the Osher Registration System. First-time logging in or need assistance? See the Osher Registration Guide below.

Art Therapy for Renewal & Resilience

This supportive art therapy group is designed for adults seeking a creative outlet to foster emotional expression, relaxation, and personal resilience. Through guided art-making experiences, participants will explore a variety of materials and techniques that encourage self-reflection, stress reduction, and inner strength.

No prior art experience is necessary, just a willingness to engage in the process. Each session offers a safe, nonjudgmental space to connect with others, express feelings visually, and build coping skills through creative exploration.

Who This Class Is For: This class is designed foranyone seeking a creative approach to managing stress and fostering connection. No prior art experience is necessary; participants are encouraged to engage at their own pace and comfort level.

Series Details:

• Where: Osher Wellness Suite Gathering room located on the 5th floor of the UC Blood Cancer Healing Center (3232 Healing Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45229) with free parking available in the attached garage.
• When: Summer Session: Summer Session May 11 – June 29, 2026, Weekly on Mondays 11 a.m. - noon
• What You Need: All supplies provided thanks to generous support from Strikeout MS and the Weaver Family.
• Cost: Sliding Scale Fee
  Per Class: $5 Community Care, $10 Sustainer, $15 Supporter
  Per 5-Class Pack: $22 Community Care ($4.40/class), $45 Sustainer ($9/class), $70 Supporter ($14/class )
• Registration: Registration is required via the Osher Registration System. First-time logging in or need assistance? See the Osher Registration Guide below.

Art therapy is guided by Meera Rastogi, PhD, LPAT, ATR-BC, Licensed Psychologist and Board-Certified Art Therapist, and UC student assistants.

The Art Therapy Program is a collaboration with the University of Cincinnati’s Pre-Art Therapy program, the Waddell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, UC James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorders, Osher Center for Integrative Health, University of Cincinnati, and UC Clermont. Materials sponsored by Strikeout MS and donations from the Weaver family.

Educational Opportunities through the University of Cincinnati

Narrative Medicine is an intellectually rigorous, interdisciplinary field that offers a method to humanize healthcare. By integrating skills from literature, fine arts, and, the humanities, Narrative Medicine seeks to foster empathy, strengthen communication skills, and enhance the understanding between patients and healthcare providers.

Community Resources