When thinking about recess most think about children, but the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design’s Center for Creative Exploration has given recess a new twist.

Art Recess, which started in 2019 prior to a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, provides adults with two and a half hours to work an art project of their own or an assigned art project while enjoying their packed lunch.

The college of art and design believes this opportunity gives adults something better to do than “doom scrolling at their desk.”

According to a Drexel University professor and researcher in art therapy, the act of creation can reduce stress and anxiety, improve one’s mood, and increase problem solving skills.

Natalie Lascek, Director of Center for Creative Exploration, said Art Recess is important because it provides a way for people to take a moment to pause and connect with others.

"I think so many of us have this idea of productivity meaning that we're just like connected to everything all of the time," said Lascek. "...Giving yourself a break and indulging in creativity it really allows us to bring our best and most productive self to our work everyday."

Adults engage in collage, zine making, drawing, water color, Crayola model magic, sharpie tye dye and other projects when participating in Art Recess.

Lascek said a big part of Art Recess is having a lot of different things that people can try and finding where each person's comfortable entry point.

To increase the reach of Art Recess, the Center for Creative Exploration has been talking to community partners about bringing the program to their spaces. Lascek said she hopes people extend Art Recess's reach by practicing it on their own and with other groups.

"Maybe it's something that they can do for themselves, for their colleagues," said Lascek. "Maybe it's something that they can start in their own communities and make sure that they're all taking care of each other; and taking out a really mindful pause... and start their own Art Recess."

The kickoff of the 2022 - 2023 Art Recess season will be held on Friday, September 30 from 11:30 to 2 p.m. at the Lancaster City Welcome Center, 38 Penn Square.

For additional Art Recess dates and information visit

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.