Art Rx
Welcoming Northwestern Michigan College students to their creative pause at The Dennos.
What is ArtRx?
ArtRx is a new well-being initiative for NMC students started by The Dennos! Academic advisors, success coaches, counselors, student life staff and other NMC support staff "prescribe" physical ArtRx cards to students who may be looking for a healthy way to unwind - whether they are experiencing academic stress, burnout, life transitions or are just looking to try something new. Students then have that extra bit of encouragement to visit the Dennos for a restorative break or creative inspiration. Similar programs are popping up on campuses all around the world.
It gives students a tangible, low-barrier "permission slip" to step away from academic stress and recharge.
Who is it for?
Any NMC student navigating:
- Academic stress, burnout, or midterm/final fatigue
- Life transitions, isolation, or feelings of disconnectedness
- A need for reflection, mindfulness, or creative inspiration
- Students looking to connect with their campus community
Why does it matter?
- Arts engagement is proven to lower stress, combat isolation, and boost academic persistence.
- It is non-clinical, low-barrier, and completely free for students.
- It directly supports NMC’s Strategic Plan goals of Student Success and Campus Vibrancy.
How the ArtRx check-in station works
Near the museum entrance and front desk you will see an ArtRx sign featuring three drop boxes. Students will follow these steps:
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Scan the QR Code to check in and drop their ArtRx card into one of three designated boxes based on the experience ("dose") they choose:
- A Quiet Dose // Unplug and explore with a self-guided "slow looking" map
- A Creative Dose // Hands-on artmaking (sculpture, collage, sketching opportunities - no experience necessary!)
- A Musical Dose // Listen to curated playlists on wireless headsets to unwind while exploring the galleries.
- Stay tuned - we will be adding a Social Dose soon, with museum meetups for those who want to gather.
- Students can choose to stay as long as they like, do another dose and change doses at any time. When they are ready to leave, they will return any borrowed supplies or equipment, complete a reflection survey. The first 50 students to participate in the program will receive art & mindfulness goodie bags. Additional art & mindfulness supplies will be available for students upon departure as supplies last.
ArtRx is supported with funding from the NMC Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
This video promotes The Dennos' new ArtRx program. ArtRx is a well-being initiative for NMC students started by The Dennos. Academic advisors, success coaches, and counselors give physical "ArtRx" cards to students who are experiencing academic stress, burnout, or life transitions and students bring the cards to The Dennos for a restorative break or bit of creative inspiration.
