National Security Programs hosts inspiring art show
On April 30, National Security Programs hosted an art show to ignite creativity and innovation among staff. This event showcased the artistic talents of National Security Programs team members and highlighted the profound connection between art and brain function, fostering a deeper understanding of how creativity can enhance the work environment.
“Art inspires and motivates us through its beauty, sobering thoughts and pure humor. It reflects the essence of humanity — whether in the vibrant strokes of a painting, the humor found in a metal sculpture, the powerful action shots of a woman and her horse, or the cleverness of a kingfisher crafted from Lego,” Associate Labs Director Deborah Frincke said. “The human connections forged through sharing our art are equally inspiring, bringing us closer together as a team and allowing us to appreciate one another in new and meaningful ways.”
The art show featured a wide range of artwork, each piece reflecting different perspectives and innovative ideas. “It was amazing to see what my coworkers do artistically,” art show attendee Kate Musick said.
Like Kate, many attendees were captivated by the creativity on display, which served as a reminder of the importance of artistic expression in our daily lives. During the event, the Sandia Singers delivered a live performance that contributed to an atmosphere of inspiration and camaraderie.
In addition to art and music, the event offered valuable resources aimed at promoting mental health and creative outlets. Various resource tables were set up, including one from the Employee Assistance Program, which recently announced their first Sensitive Compartmented Information-cleared counselor. This initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting employee well-being and ensuring that staff have access to essential assistance.
The Sandia common interest group Your Brain on Art provided insights into the cognitive benefits of engaging with art. This group encourages staff to explore their creative sides, reinforcing the idea that innovation often stems from a healthy balance of mental wellness and artistic exploration.
During the art show, the winner of the donation drive competition was announced, with the Applied Information Sciences center taking home the award. This initiative supports the Veterans Integration Center and made a positive impact in our community by donating a total of 2,812 travel-sized toiletries. Centers competed to collect the most donations, using a weighted scoring system that calculated the number of items collected relative to the number of participants in each center. Teams rallied together to donate travel-sized toiletries, and the center with the highest score received the National Security Programs Roadrunner Award.
For those who did not get the chance to attend the art show, a virtual showcase is available with 62 pieces of artwork from 36 team members across National Security Programs. Staff can also view the Kid’s Day virtual showcase on the National Security Programs website that was held at this year’s Kid’s Day in Albuquerque on April 24.