TURNS OUT I had to be 2,677 miles from home to be reminded of the importance of the arts and their influence on mental health. Last month, I joined my boyfriend Bryan on his annual trek to McGregor Bay, Canada — AKA “cabin country” — where I gained a whole new appreciation for electricity, running water and WiFi. This deprivation might have contributed to the euphoria I felt when, during a quick two-day trip to the nearby resort town of Killarney, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” started playing over a speaker. My heart stopped. I was transported. I love being anywhere in the world and hearing Otis Redding’s love letter to Sausalito.
There’s actually a word for the physical sensation that washed over me — frisson, a fancy French term used to describe that spine-tingling response we get when a song, painting or moment stirs something deep. It’s our brain’s way of releasing dopamine, the same chemical associated with joy, reward and, yes, healing.
In this issue, Pamela Samaniego explores Art on Prescription, a practice where healthcare providers are increasingly looking to social prescriptions that use creative activities as part of treatment. Whether it’s painting in a studio community, a songwriting workshop or joining a choir, these experiences do more than reduce anxiety or support emotional processing by connecting us to our deepest self — they create opportunities for genuine social connection. In a world where isolation is growing and recognized as a real health concern, the act of making art together is emerging as a powerful form of therapy, reminding us that healing often begins in community.”
Here in Marin, we’re fortunate to have multiple community organizations and institutions making this kind of “healing” accessible. One in particular, Performing Stars in Marin City, will be celebrating 35 years this Halloween, with a festive masquerade ball at the Mill Valley community center. Founded by the unstoppable Felecia Gaston, this program has given access to thousands of young people, who historically did not have access to enrichment programs, and were able to discover new talents — and their voices — through programs in dance, theater, and music. Marin Magazine is grateful to partner with Felecia as a media partner to help her secure funds to continue this important work.
Marin’s art community is strong and thriving. My daughters were both beneficiaries of Kiddo!’s art programs including choir, band and theater. The hours spent learning an instrument, traveling to towns like Vallejo or Millpitas, to join a bunch of middle schoolers playing their hearts out in a crowded gym, offered a sense of community (and humor) as well as a dose of confidence once the performance was over.
So here’s my prescription (found on our calendar pages): Book tickets to San Francisco Symphony (opens Sept. 12), and/or head up to the top of Mt. Tam to spend a day surrounded by redwoods and great music at this year’s Sound Summit, go see a play at the Marin Theatre Company or check out a local gallery. You deserve to measurably improve your mental and emotional well-being.
Whether you’re on a remote dock in Canada or stuck in bridge traffic on 101, ask Siri or Alexa or Google to play “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and let us know how that worked out for you.
