Art and the Brain with Girija Kaimal, Ph.D.

So much about the human brain is still a mystery, and one of its greatest mysteries is the urge for self-expression through art. Whatever drives this creative instinct, a growing body of research is revealing that making art (or even just experiencing it) can be therapeutic, soothing, and empowering. Secret Science Club presents "Art & the Brain," featuring art therapist and researcher Girija Kamal, Ph.D., who explores how art-making affects our brains, our moods, and our mental health. About Girija Kaimal: Girija Kaimal is a professor in the department of Creative Arts Therapies at Drexel University and directs the Health, Arts, Learning and Evaluation (HALE) Lab, where she researches how visual art-making affects our physiological and psychological well-being. She is the current president of the American Art Therapy Association, and her most recent book is The Expressive Instinct: How Imagination and Creative Works Help Us Survive and Thrive. In her own art practice, she explores identity and representation of emotion. As an art therapist and mental health researcher, areas of focus include traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and chronic stress among cancer patients and caregivers. This edition of Secret Science Club is part of the Dana Foundation Neuroscience & Society Talk Series and supported by the Dana Foundation as part of its Dana Education program. The Foundation’s mission is to advance neuroscience that benefits society and reflects the aspirations of all people. Learn more about the Dana Education Program: https://dana.org/dana-education/ Connect with us! Website: https://www.dana.org Facebook:   / danafoundation   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/danafoundati... Instagram:   / danafoundation   LinkedIn:   / the-dana-foundation