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Art With A Heart For Children embraces sick or injured children with a personalized art experience that enhances the healing process and brings joy and hope to patients and their families.
In the 5th floor playroom at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, a handful of children dressed in hospital gowns gather around a table covered with art supplies. A few children adjust their IV poles as they prepare to work under the guidance of the resident artist. Another child wanders in after giving up his cartoons on TV to enjoy the art circle. The patients are all making art, creating their own healing expression, and participating in a joyful distraction.
Art With A Heart For Children
Art With A Heart For Children is a nonprofit arts program that has provided
an opportunity for over 5,000 hospitalized children in Jacksonville to express themselves creatively in a supportive environment. This program enables children to regain a sense of control taken away from them by
their illness.
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Our Philosophy
Our philosophy and goals are to enhance each patients’ quality of life by providing an environment conducive to expressing one’s feelings and creativity.
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Healing through Art
Art is highly transformative and an excellent vehicle to allow patients to gain self-confidence and self-esteem. Life stories can be visually narrated while scars are healed, diseases treated, and bodies are being mended.
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The Artists
The Art Cart and artists travel to the patient’s floors of Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Clinic. Five days a week, they are armed with paints, brushes, pastels, and an unlimited supply of paper.
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Art Studios
Temporary art studios are set up in children’s rooms (bedside) the Dialysis Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care, the Behavioral Health Unit, and various playrooms throughout the hospital.
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Art Pieces
Participants in the program are encouraged to donate a special “masterpiece” which is displayed in the main lobby of the children’s hospital. The art pieces are rotated on a regular basis, and the “Traveling Exhibit” shows a selection of works in different venues throughout Jacksonville.
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Visiting Artist Series
A monthly Visiting Artist series exposes children to a special session conducted by local artists volunteering their time and sharing their talents.
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Thank you for your interest in our organization. To learn how you can
help, click here.
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