Why We Think You’ll Love “Your Brain on Art”
If you've ever wondered why a song can shift your whole mood, or why a walk through a gallery leaves you feeling more grounded, this book puts the science behind it. Susan Magsamen, a neuroscience researcher at Johns Hopkins, and Ivy Ross, a longtime design leader at Google, team up to explore neuroaesthetics, the study of how art and beauty physically change our brains.
Their core argument is one we live out every day at the Arts Council: art isn't a luxury or an extra. It's essential to how humans think, heal, and connect. The authors point to research showing that engaging in something creative for less than an hour can ease stress, and that consistent exposure to the arts is linked to a longer, healthier life.
We think our ACGBR community will love this book because it gives language and evidence to something we already believe deeply — that creativity strengthens people and strengthens neighborhoods. Whether you're an artist, an educator, a business leader, or just someone who's curious about why a good song or painting hits the way it does, this book offers a compelling, research-backed case for keeping art at the center of a well-lived life.
Pick it up, and you may find yourself looking at your next gallery visit, concert, or doodle on a napkin a little differently.
Get the book:
Check with your favorite local independent bookstores (Red Stick Reads, TBR Books & Tea, etc.)
Or order online wherever you buy books