WWU's Department of Psychology to host first-ever Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Art Exhibit today

WWU's Department of Psychology will host the first annual Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Art Exhibit on Thursday May 25 at the Academic West 4th Floor Skybridge.  

Students from the psychology department will showcase their work reflecting the important links between art and science, and the exhibit will include an array of art mediums from photographs, paintings, and performances done by students active in the Department of Psychology. The exhibit will be on display in the Skybridge all day and celebrated at a reception from 3-5 p.m. 

"I think creative expression is a powerful tool, and art therapy is used for all ages, really, and doing artistic things can help people process in these really cool beautiful ways and definitely for mental health," said Marisa Fernandez, who played a significant role in the organization of this event.  

WWU neuroscience student Kale Lantz, who will showcase a mix of original songs from his solo musical project as part of the event, said music can have a profound effect on brain chemistry. 

"Music can affect the brain very similarly to drugs, minus serious withdrawal systems. Using this knowledge, I've been able to change the way that I make music. I try to curate the music I make to directly satisfy the musical expectation of an individual, which will have a direct neurobiological effect in the form of the release of dopamine and serotonin," said Lantz.  

Alex Park, a psychology student from Mountlake Terrace, will showcase two of their pieces that highlight their work in identity narratives and behavioral therapy.  

"Science must be accessible to impart change in the world. The intersection of science and art is so powerful because of the accessibility and understanding it allows," said Park. 

For questions or accommodations for the exhibit, contact psychology@wwu.edu.