Arts and Health Month Kickoff Event

Local nonprofits and the library host interactive workshops, a keynote speaker, plus a reception at RWJ Fitness and Wellness Center in Hamilton to celebrate the start of Arts and Health Month.

Arts and Health Mercer kicks off its monthlong celebration of arts and health programming with a daylong event. Join us in the morning for interactive workshops and activities in a variety of arts media including music, poetry, visual arts, movement, theater, and more. Each workshop will encourage a healthy mind, body and spirit for all ages. The afternoon will feature a keynote speaker and reception. 

Schedule of Events: 

• 10 a.m.: Storytime with librarian Janie Hermann of Princeton Public Library and craft with author and illustrator Barbara DiLorenzo of Arts Council Princeton
• 10:30 a.m.: Physical storytelling with Breanna Lemerise of McCarter Theatre
• 11 a.m.: Storytime with Monah Yancy of Passage Theater and viola accompaniment by Beth Meyers of Princeton Symphony Orchestra followed by instrument petting zoo
• 11:30 a.m.: Art Against Racism and the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) present a discussion on “The Role of Cultural Institutions in Community Health” and an art activity. 
• Noon: Vendor Alley featuring local nonprofits open until 4 pm
• 1 p.m.: Keynote Speaker Christina Eskridge, Founder and Executive Director of Elevate Theatre Company LLC, discussing ways for audiences and artists to explore health and well-being through the art of storytelling
• 2:30 p.m. - Reception with food and music

Morning Drop-in Activities include:

• Theatre games with Breanna Lemerise of McCarter Theatre
• Art Making with the Princeton University Art Museum
• Ripped words poetry with Greer Luce of Morven Museum and Garden
• Puzzles and kids crafts with Princeton Public Library

Full details can be found at this link. 

Co-sponsored by the library, West Windsor Arts Council, Princeton University Art Museum, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, and RWJ Barnabas Health. 

About Arts & Health Mercer: Arts & Health Mercer was created by a coalition of arts and culture organizations of the Mercer County region to bring a greater appreciation, understanding and experience of how the arts are integral to the health of individuals and communities through an alignment of programming across organizations. Through this initiative, we seek to create awareness of the health benefits of the arts, and provide access to these benefits through our programming.

Event Accessibility

• If there is an accommodation that you need or would like so that you can fully enjoy library programs, please visit our Accommodations Request Form.