Once a month, the Christian Petersen Art Museum features a temporary exhibit: Artful Yoga.

The next Artful Yoga session will take place at 5:30 p.m. Wed., March 9, at the Christian Petersen Art Museum in Morrill Hall.

In collaboration with Iowa State University’s Recreation Services, University Museums invites students and community members to participate in a unique and free experience that combines the aesthetics of a classic art gallery with the tranquility of yoga.

Claire Caswell is an Iowa State student who teaches yoga classes at State Gym, and has been instructing the Artful Yoga sessions since last spring.

“The experience is different because you’re surrounded by a different exhibition each month and it adds inspiration,” Caswell said.

She said that yoga could promote mental well-being and overall good health when practiced regularly, and encourages people of all levels of experience to partake in a yoga session.

Sydney Marshall, a member of the Ames community and recent Iowa State graduate, said that she enjoys Artful Yoga because it provides a new and relaxing setting.

The Artful Yoga program began in the fall of 2011 and has been provided regularly since.

Nancy Gebhart, a program coordinator for University Museums, said that different exhibitions over the years have added a different feeling to the sessions, but last semester’s immersive laser show was especially unique because the session was held in the complete dark.

“Almost every single class we have people who have never done yoga before and are just trying it out,” Gebhart said.

To reserve a spot for the session, email [email protected] by 3 p.m. on the day of the class.

For more information or a list of other programs hosted by the University Museums, visit their website.