Varanasi: Exploring a holistic way for mental health, 70 young medical students of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University are learning the therapeutic and rejuvenating power of art through painting at a three-day art therapy workshop -Heal with Art: Painting for Joy, Learning, and Relaxation.The workshop, which commenced on Wednesday, has been organised by the Student Wellness Cell, office of dean of students, in association with the faculty of visual arts and Institute of Medical Sciences.Creating art, primarily through painting, can be a cathartic experience. It allows one to express emotions in a non-verbal and creative way and is beneficial in dealing with stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges, said the professor of art, Suresh K Nair of the faculty of visual arts.He said that painting brings a sense of accomplishment and joy. Completing a piece of artwork, regardless of skill, boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of satisfaction and pride. Painting encourages experimentation, and it can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Focusing on colours, shapes, and the creative process provides a break from the stress of daily life. Its a form of mindfulness that promotes relaxation and reduces stress, he said, adding that it is a holistic and therapeutic activity that contributes to emotional well-being, personal growth, and relaxation. This programme has been organised for 70 young doctors of BHU, he added.Explaining the art therapy, Nair said that the use of the artistic methods to treat psychological disorders and enhance mental health is known as art therapy. He said that people of all ages including children, teens and adults can benefit from it. Some research suggests that just the presence of art can play a part in boosting mental health. The event is being organised with the support of the dean of students Prof Anupam K Nema and coordinator, Student Wellness Cell of IMS Prof Lalit Mohan Aggarwal. Besides Nair, the other members of the organising team include student advisor Dr Abhishek Pathak, and Nityanand Tiwari of the Student Wellness Cell.We also published the following articles recentlyMy new love: Recycling waste to create artEngaging in a hobby can improve mental health and overall well-being. Adopting new hobbies can enhance daily life and strengthen mental health. The author enjoys making useful items out of waste materials, finding joy and satisfaction in being creative and contributing to the environment. Nurturing a hobby is important for mental health and allows the mind to flourish.Art exhibition: 80 still life, landscape artworks on displayAn art exhibition featuring around 80 artworks by professional and amateur artists was inaugurated at the State Lalit Kala Akademi in Lucknow. The paintings on display cover various themes such as portrait, still life, and landscape, and are created using different mediums. Artists from Kolkata, Jaipur, Jharkhand, Prayagraj, Assam, and Lucknow have participated in the exhibition, which will be open until September 20. In other news, exhibitions highlighting the impact of climate change on oceans and livelihoods, as well as eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and handloom art, have also taken place recently.Like-minded people unite for community arts sakeMade By Mangalore is a group working towards developing a vibrant art community in the city. The group meets every Sunday at Kadri Park for two hours of drawing, painting, and sketching. The community has drawn participants from diverse professional backgrounds, all united by their love for painting. The meetings provide a platform for artistic expression and serve as a therapeutic outlet for stress. The group aims to inspire creativity, unity, and community engagement in the city.

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