Informing the Public About Psychological Health Through Public Art

Newswise — Art serves as a way to teach the public about psychology in "Heads Up Kentucky! Psychology Promotes Healthy Living," an innovative public health education campaign that pairs consumer information about psychological aspects of health with appealing street art. Modeled after popular public art projects like Chicago's "Cows on Parade," the artful heads and pedestals stand nearly seven-feet tall, and display information on a variety of issues related to psychology and health. More than 20 topics have been included, such as psychological components of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes; role of sleep in health; health benefits of forgiveness; stress management; etc. The project was developed by the Kentucky Psychological Association Foundation, and represents a unique use of public art to further public education about health.

Seven of the 41 heads have traveled to Washington, DC to be on display at the 2005 American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Convention at Booth 204. Heads Up Kentucky! is part of a national effort to educate the public about the mind-body connection and its role in overall health.

"Psychology has so much to offer the public in terms of their health, well-being and their quality of life. Anything that psychologists and psychological associations can do to educate the public about the role of mental and emotional health in everyday life and wellness is a real public service. I salute the Kentucky Psychological Association for their Heads Up Kentucky! program. It will truly help make psychology a household word," says Dr. Ronald Levant, EdD, APA President.

Heads Up Kentucky! opened to the public on June 10, 2005 with a three-week exhibit at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft in Louisville. Following the exhibit, the Heads took up positions on the streets of the city in seven high-pedestrian-traffic locations. The Heads will be displayed in Louisville through mid-October, when they will be auctioned at a Gala event to benefit the Kentucky Psychological Association Foundation's public education activities. A portion of the proceeds will go toward state-of-the-art equipment at a regional children's hospital, to help teach active psychological coping skills to seriously ill children in order to increase acceptance and cooperation with treatment regimens, and reduce reliance on pain medications.

The Heads Up Kentucky! project will also be used as the basis for a pilot program to develop health curriculum for students in grades K-5, in collaboration with the Health Promotion Schools of Excellence. Once developed, the curriculum will eventually be expanded to school districts across the state. Additional information on the Heads and on psychological aspects of healthy living can be found at www.headsupkentucky.org.

A commemorative poster of the project was designed by internationally-known graphic artist Julius Friedman, whose work can be found in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

The "Heads Up Kentucky! Psychology Promotes Healthy Living" project is funded through sponsorships and donations, with major support from APA, the University of Louisville, and the Humana Foundation, along with support from Kentucky psychologists and businesses. Heads Up Kentucky! Psychology Promotes Healthy LivingA public education and art exhibit

Kentucky Psychological Association Foundation120 Sears Avenue, Suite 202Louisville KY 40207

The American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 150,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 53 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting health, education and human welfare.