ART FOR ALL: A New Perspective on Art and Wellness at Goodrell Middle School
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(DES MOINES, Iowa-April 01, 2024) – Goodrell Middle School introduces a new sensory mural and wellness room created by Jill Wells Art LLC + AXA Mentorship Program in collaboration with the B. WELL Foundation. This art and wellness space is the latest addition to Goodrell's counseling and mental health offerings. It is a student-inspired and student-invested project that provides a uniquely reflective experience during the day for students to de-stress and return to the classroom feeling less anxious and emotionally refreshed for continued learning.
This Art For All wellness room caters to individuals of all abilities and combines biophilic and sensory design. Biophilic design increases connectivity to the natural environment by bringing nature's calming visual and sound elements indoors. It is a proven design concept that reduces stress, enhances creativity, and improves our overall well-being through sensory stimulation. Goodrell Core (GCORE) students were hands-on in the design process of the space as they influenced and changed the environment around them. The small, intimate room is a waiting lounge for in-school counseling sessions.
Polk County Supervisor Tom Hockensmith says, "We were amazed by the creativity and importance of this installation at Goodrell. Polk County prioritizes mental health and inclusiveness in our community. We were happy to be approached about supporting this project. I grew up in this neighborhood and am thrilled to be able to help create a safe place for our youngest and most vulnerable population." Polk County and the B.WELL Foundation funded the Goodrell Wellness Room.
The B.Well Foundation, a Des Moines-based 501(c)3 non-profit, has received a grant of $50,000 from the Polk County Board of Supervisors in support of the School Tactile Mural & Sensory Wellness Spaces, the first of which is located at Goodrell Middle School.
The Goodrell Wellness Room has been painted with a lush tropical, tactile mural offset by LED lighting. It is outfitted with multiple types of seating, a sound machine, noise-canceling headphones, an air-purifying system, and accessible floating bookshelves well-equipped with meditative literature and sensory fidgets. The project will serve people of all ages, abilities, roles, and identities.
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ABOUT THE B.WELL FOUNDATION: The B.WELL Foundation is a Des Moines-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underserved and underrepresented youth and families. The Foundation provides programming and resources focused on education, mentorship, and community prosperity.
ABOUT JILL WELLS ART: Iowa-based artist, advocate and mentor, Jill Wells (she/her) has firmly situated herself within art and advocacy work. A 2005 graduate of Drake University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she is well known for her dynamic, colorful, and tactile multimedia works investigating race, history, stereotypes, accessibility, and human experiences. By exploring the powerful alignment between arts integration and Universal Design, Wells' work seeks solutions for innovative pathways into accessible art. Learn more at www.jillwellsart.com.
