Zahrah Resh is the artist in residence at IMPART Alliance and MSU AgeAlive. Her responsibilities include helping promote community outreach, assisting with presentations, workshops and anything related to art activity. Resh is a Michigan State University alumna of the Broad School of Business.
Initially while in school, Resh was influenced to follow a traditional path in business or medicine. However, she realized that her future was as an artist. Despite starting later in life, Resh has experience in multiple disciplines including paint, collages and sculptures.
“This is what I was meant to do,” she said. “Art is for everybody. Usually, people think that art is a privileged thing, but I want people to realize that art is for everyone and anyone can do it. Art is easy, it’s accessible and has a lot of health benefits.”
The health impacts of art include reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood through art therapy, increased self-esteem and even an enhanced memory. Art also stimulates brain function and helps prevent cognitive decline. In addition, art is a safe and healthy outlet for processing and expressing emotions and trauma.
As the artist in residence at IMPART Alliance and AgeAlive, Resh hopes to use art to both promote the organizations as well as help people in the process.