Experts Highlight Art's Power In Stress Relief At Sharjah Children's Reading Festival

At the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), a significant discussion unfolded on the role of art in personal healing and emotional wellness. Dr. Sama’a Al Hashimi, a respected writer and academic from Bahrain, emphasized the profound impact of art on emotional health, highlighting its ability to alleviate stress and negative emotions. Alongside her, American artist and illustrator Jane Mount shared her insights into art therapy, underscoring its benefits for individuals of all ages in managing stress, enhancing interpersonal skills, and fostering overall mental and emotional well-being.

During the panel titled ‘Art Therapy Techniques to Express Emotions and Reduce Stress’, the speakers delved into how art therapy serves as an expressive tool to aid individuals in navigating conflicts, improving behavior management, and boosting self-esteem. Dr. Hashimi shared her experiences with digital art at the University of Bahrain, where students use this medium as a creative outlet for expression. She also addressed common misconceptions about colouring and sketchbooks, advocating for their recognition as legitimate forms of art that can help reduce anxiety.

The consensus among the panellists was clear: everyone harbors innate creativity, with an artist residing in each individual. They stressed the importance of encouraging children to express themselves creatively from an early age, dismissing the pursuit of perfection in art as irrelevant to genuine creativity. This approach is crucial for art therapy, which aims to nurture all forms of creative expression in children.

A Festival Focused on Well-being

The SCRF is not just about literature; it also dedicates a series of talks to the well-being of children. The festival, which runs until 12th May at the Expo Centre in Al Khan, Sharjah, features a lineup of esteemed Arab literary figures and scholars. Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), this event is a testament to Sharjah's commitment to fostering a love for reading and creativity among young minds.

In conclusion, the discussions at SCRF underscore the critical role of art in supporting emotional health and well-being. By encouraging artistic expression and recognizing its therapeutic benefits, we can open new avenues for personal healing and emotional resilience.

With inputs from WAM