Healing art: Museum program uses inspiration to aid recovery

Patients getting treatment for cancer, children coping with grief and college students dealing with addiction are just some of the hundreds of people being helped by the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art’s health care initiative, Art Heals.

The fastest growing program in the museum’s education department, Art Heals recently expanded to included oncology patients, parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, young adults coping with trauma and children who have recently lost a parent or guardian to illness.

“Each program begins with a needs assessment with the healthcare partner,” said Lisa Abia-Smith, the museum’s director of education. “Then we align the art expression activities with the needs and abilities of the participants.”

At the Good Samaritan Pastega Cancer Center in Corvallis, workshops led by museum staff and art therapist Sara McDonough guide patients and caregivers through an artistic exploration of their identities and experiences, reflecting on words and symbols as metaphors for new growth in life.

“During times of uncertainty and transition, we often rush into the future making goals, plans and resolutions,” Abia-Smith said. “This workshop allows participants time to explore their feelings and learn that the process of creating is just as important, if not more so, than the product.”

Following the workshops, the museum provided Art-To-Go boxes for each patient to keep in their hospital room with art supplies, allowing them to continue the therapeutic process of art-making on their own time.

Writing and visual prompts are tools used for Courageous Kids, a grief support program for youth and their families. Children and teens are guided through age-appropriate activities including art, drama, discussion and writing. Before sitting down to create art, participants respond to four questions: Where were you when you found out? What happened? What was it like? How are you now?​

“Grandma’s color was purple. Her death was very sudden. Like a storm, everyone got caught in it,” wrote 17-year-old Joslyn in her artist statement. “It’s hard to escape — I am trying to ignore it.”

Arthurina Fears, the museum’s education program manager, leads healing workshops with mothers whose infants are hospitalized in intensive care at PeaceHealth RiverBend. The workshop includes lessons on watercolor techniques and illustration that focus on the connection between mother and infant. Participants construct mandalas as a symbol of their womb and the interconnectedness of life.

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts supports one of the program’s longest-running initiatives, VSA Arts Access Workshops for Children with Disabilities. Participants are encouraged to come with their family and friends for free art workshops, which are held throughout the year.

Each session explores different mediums and tactile experiences to allow students to practice motor skills and self-expression. Although some structure is provided, each activity is adaptable to allow the students their own interpretations of the art projects.

Art Heals organizations and health care partners include Courageous Kids, Good Samaritan Pastega Cancer Center, Holly Residential Art for Adults with Brain and Spinal Injuries, Oregon Supported Living Program, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center NICU at RiverBend Hospital, University of Oregon Arts in Healthcare Research Consortium, University of Oregon Collegiate Recovery Center, University of Oregon Counseling Center and VSA Art Access, Art classes for Children with Disabilities.

“The JSMA education staff is fortunate to witness the beauty and emotion that transpires in each workshop,” Abia-Smith said.  “The work created illustrates the power art can play in healing and recovery.”

By Debbie Williamson Smith, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art