By Lowell Healthy Lion reporters | Connecting through the arts can help artists show their feelings and tell their story. Expressing oneself through the arts is also healthy, experts say.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a hospital and research center, making or viewing art can “reduce stress, strengthen heart health, heal from illness or trauma, increase learning, and help improve mood.” The clinic’s article, “The Benefits of Group Art Classes,” says “participating in art education can create experiences for students that help them understand themselves and connect them to the world around them.”
Healthy Lion fourth-grade reporters spoke with two Lowell Elementary teachers about the importance of art and how it can build connections.
Ms. McCloskey, art teacher, said, “Art helps manage emotions through expression, helps build self esteem and confidence. Art can help you relax and lower blood pressure.” She also said that students can learn about other cultures through arts.
Ms. McCloskey encourages students to try the arts, saying you don’t have to be the best artist to enjoy making art.
Music teacher Mr. Kamal says you can connect through the arts to express your emotions in music by singing, playing the piano, and using class instruments. “If you don’t express yourself, you won’t feel heard,” said Mr. Kamal.
The article “How Music Affects Your Mind, Mood and Body” by Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, says that “singing in a group builds a feeling of connection, and research has shown that shared breathing you do when you sing with others lowers stress levels in your body.”
“When you’re singing, you can express physical health and manage stress. You can also reduce stress and anxiety,” said Mr. Kamal. Music helps people reduce stress from trauma. It also can help build your confidence, he added.
Music group dances help your health as a form of exercise. When you take a music class, you can get inspired by others and find more ways to express yourself, said Mr. Kamal.
Illustration by Adrianna, 7th grade, MaST, 2025-2026.
