TurningArt

At Stanford, students are embracing the healing benefits of art. Through an innovative partnership, Stanford students can now receive free “doses” of art—through creation or viewing visual art—to support their mental health. The groundbreaking Arts Prescribing Program recognizes that art and creativity are vital components of well-being. With over 3,000 studies confirming the role of the arts in preventing illness and supporting mental and emotional health, integrating creative experiences into our everyday lives can transform how we approach wellness. Programs like these legitimize art as a powerful tool for well-being, reinforcing its place in hospitals, offices, and our everyday environments. Explore the full article from The Stanford Daily here: https://hubs.la/Q03dpnkz0

TurningArt recently re-visited a professional services firm to transform their expanded office into a dynamic, community-focused space. The project not only celebrates local talent and the unique character of Washington, DC, but also introduces interactive features such as the "History Wall"—a living narrative of the company’s journey. Read the full blog post here: https://hubs.la/Q03dtQvT0

TurningArtist Spotlight: Samantha Natarian’s "eventide/close of day," is part of a bold and inspiring experimental series from 2023. She intentionally titled each piece in the series in lowercase, distinguishing it from her main body of work and celebrating the beauty of spontaneous, intuitive creation. By taking risks and embracing new techniques and styles, Natarian demonstrates how experimentation fuels artistic growth. Inspired by light, color, and opacity, Natarian’s work explores themes of self-discovery and reflection. Her playful layering techniques and bold expression create dynamic compositions that showcase the limitless possibilities of artistic exploration. Learn more about Samantha and her vibrant work at the link below! https://hubs.la/Q03d5RDr0

Check out our latest In Studio blog featuring Okunade Olamilekan! Okunade’s pixelated painting style is a striking exploration of identity and human connection. Through bold visual narratives, he transforms the memories and experiences of those around him into art. Rooted in the power of storytelling, his work fosters deep emotional connections—honoring individual experiences while encouraging shared reflection. Through observation, curiosity, and collaboration, his work highlights art’s ability to preserve, communicate, and bridge diverse perspectives. Read the full interview here: https://hubs.la/Q03cXtmz0

Happy 15th Birthday TurningArt!!! Getting art out there with the best people on the planet is the best job ever!!!! Becca Cachion Katie Olson Abby Frank Erin Doherty Alyce Delbridge Jason Gracilieri Aubrey Thorp Helen Brechlin Devon Franz Emma MacLeod Anne Lofgren Ellena Sakai Annapoorna Holdmore Cecilia Christman Jack Confrey Madeline Durso Brenna Tabbut Andrea Williams Dillingham Becky Fisher Zoe Whalen Isabel Moore Sera McGrew @ianmcgrew Sophia Palumbo Niamh Carty Kate Bacigalupo Katie Carrigan Lindsay Hall Stephanie Rivera Ortiz

TurningArtist Spotlight: Poonam choudhary's series, “Meant to Be,” explores the inherent conflicts and harmonies that shape both physical and spiritual connections within the natural world. In the second piece of the series, flowing forms and muted complementary colors create a layered composition and evoke a sense of serenity. Choudhary incorporates floral imagery to symbolize both fragility and resilience - the coexistence of which proves that some things are simply “meant to be.” Learn more about Poonam and her work here! https://hubs.la/Q03cm34Q0

A recent Healthcare Design Magazine article highlights the profound impact of art in healthcare environments, demonstrating how it can ease patient anxiety, foster connections, and create a more welcoming atmosphere for both patients and staff. Art serves as a powerful tool for positive distraction and can be integrated in various ways: - Locally Inspired Artwork – Featuring familiar imagery strengthens the connection between the space and its surrounding community. - Interactive Displays – Encouraging movement and multisensory engagement makes the environment more inclusive and stimulating. - Digital Murals & Tech-Driven Installations – Dynamic and ever-evolving, these elements keep spaces fresh, inspiring, and visually engaging. Discover more strategies for using art to enhance the patient experience in the full article: https://hubs.la/Q03ckTq70

TurningArtist Spotlight: Oi Fortin’s “Balancing Act” poses a persistent yet impossible question: How must one balance work, life, and happiness? This abstract expressionist piece is contemplative yet bright, pairing a visually captivating composition with vibrant color and playful form. Fortin’s monotype prints are made using a unique printmaking process during which an image is painted or drawn onto a flat, non-absorbent plate before being transferred. Unlike other printmaking techniques, monotypes produce only one strong impression, making each piece one of a kind. The process is delicate and imperfect – an aspect Fortin embraces, finding joy in the risk and adrenalin associated with creating each print. To learn more about Oi and her work, visit her TurningArtist profile below: https://hubs.la/Q03b4kk20

In healthcare facilities, clear wayfinding systems are essential to helping patients, visitors, and staff navigate efficiently and confidently, but the most effective systems reach beyond traditional signage. Integrating art into wayfinding design can transform the navigation language by reinforcing guidance tools and fostering comfort and engagement. Using art as a wayfinding tool enhances navigation by creating memorable visual landmarks and a welcoming environment. Strategically placed artwork transforms indistinct hallways into inviting, intuitive paths that promote connection and ease. At TurningArt, we understand the importance of a well-designed environment in healthcare facilities - visit our site for more information on integrating wayfinding into your space, and discover more about the importance of art as a wayfinding tool in our most recent blog post: https://hubs.la/Q03by1JL0

TurningArtist Spotlight: Jerred Zegelis' “Elegance of Rock Structures: Agate Study" is a captivating peek into nature’s hidden intricacies. In this mesmerizing work, the flowing patterns of the agate mirror geographical forms such as rivers, dunes, or tree rings, highlighting the connection between earth’s smallest details and its greatest landscapes. With a deep appreciation for the natural world, Zegelis finds his subjects in his immediate surroundings, showcasing the beauty of the Midwestern United States and creating an immersive and unique sense of place. Learn more about Jerred and his work here! https://hubs.la/Q03b4pw70