Between classes, work and extracurricular activities, many students are looking for a chance to relieve stress and relax. Artful Yoga — a free yoga program sponsored by University Museums and Recreation Services — offers that opportunity.

Each Wednesday, yogi Mahala McDanel hosts a yoga session surrounded by pieces of art in the Christian Petersen Art Museum within Morrill Hall.

“Yoga is seen as a very calming thing,” said Dorothy Witter, interpretations specialist for University Museums. “I think that’s very similar to art.”

Witter describes the combination of art and yoga as focusing on your thoughts, your breathing and yourself.

“I love it,” said McDanel, junior in event management. “I think the room I am teaching in is beautiful. I love being surrounded by the art.”

The Christian Petersen Art Museum housed Artful Yoga during the fall semester as well.

“[Artful Yoga] has grown since [the fall semester] and has grown with each session this semester,” Witter said.

Artful Yoga happens each Wednesday at 5:20 p.m. The event will continue throughout the semester through April 25, though it will not meet during spring break.

“Yoga is really popular right now,” Witter said, who explained that having yoga at art museums is becoming a trend. “We thought it would be great to integrate that into the museum.”

No experience is needed to participate in the program, but each person must bring their own mat. The yoga practices are led by an instructor from Recreation Services.