Telling the stories of Arts in Health

A framed mosaic artwork of a fingerprint made with blue and green tiles on a white tiled background.
A person with curly hair wearing a face mask and glasses working with small green and blue mosaic pieces on a table with containers, cups, and tools.

Art tells them that they matter.

During the pandemic, a professional glass artist set up a pop-up art studio on the Covid unit. Healthcare providers, administrators and staff took brief breaks to create mini glass tile masterpieces. The artist collected them, fused each one in her kiln, and created a giant glass mosaic of a fingerprint that was installed on the unit. “Beauty in Teamwork” conveys appreciation for the unique gift of these healthcare workers.

Group of healthcare workers installing a fingerprint-themed artwork in a hospital hallway.
Colorful mosaic art piece with swirling pattern made of small glass tiles and beads, including words.

The arts delight and educate.

Professional musicians perform in the waiting lobbies of hospitals. They chat with patients and visitors who approach them, sometimes even offering tickets to their next stage performance.

String trio in hospital waiting area posing with patient and family member, with paintings on the wall behind them.
A painting of MLK's face in black and orange tones, with his hand resting on his chin, depicted in a stylized silhouette art style.

Art helps us feel seen.

A professional easel artist enhances a community health and wellness fair held on Martin Luther King Day. Visitors are offered a turn at the brush, and the artist surprises all with the outcome. The resulting painting is installed in the community center for all to remember and admire.

Group of five people, including two children, gathered around a canvas painting at an indoor event, with one person painting on the canvas and others observing.
Two people painting a portrait of a woman on a canvas at an indoor art event.
An indoor art event with several people observing a portrait painting on an easel. The painting depicts a person with dreadlocks, upside down, in red, black, and orange colors. A person in a gray hoodie is painting on the portrait. A basketball hoop is visible in the background.

Art fosters connections

Artist-led drum circles, clay studios, painting classes and storytelling workshops are examples of sessions that build social cohesion.

Group of community members sitting in a covered outdoor space, playing drums and participating in a music session, with trees and grass in the background.
Group of hospital chaplains seated around a table painting pictures and working on art projects in a conference room.
Group of medical students participating in a pottery class, seated around a large table with pottery wheels, clay, and yellow buckets, all wearing face masks.
A teaching artist stands at the front of a room with arms outstretched, speaking to a group of mostly elderly people seated at tables. The room has chandeliers, beige curtains, and an American flag in the background.

Read a story about the transformation of a medical center through art that conveys messages of welcome, discovery, hope, serenity, healing and belonging.

https://lancasteronline.com/sponsored/new-penn-state-health-lancaster-medical-center-will-extend-warm-welcome-through-art/article_baf63b92-f24f-11ec-88f1-ffa5d83bced7.html