the art of healing / creating hope

artists’ row brings art to patients at children’s medical center

At MCG’s Children’s Medical Center, the arts are recognized as a powerful tool to help children through difficult experiences.  Volunteers from Artists’ Row are bringing a little sunshine and hands-on art each month to children, providing a positive distraction during often painful procedures and long hospital stays. 

Artful Adventures began three months ago with a dedicated group of volunteers from Artists’ Row, a coalition of art galleries in downtown.  Recognizing art as an essential element in a ing environment, the group brings monthly art projects to patients at the CMC using the mediums of watercolors, collage and clay.

“Positive, participatory art experiences give patients a chance to step outside their circumstances and inspire hope. Self-expression is power. Creating art can provide children with a sense of control during a time when they are anything but in control,” says Jessica Finch at Children’s Hospital in Boston.

For several years now, Artists’ Row has worked with the Medical College of Georgia’s Arts Council.  They have provided jurors for shows, paintings for Twin Gables (the President’s house), and supported various projects over the years.  Last year, Artists’ Row met with the Arts Council to see how they could expand their involvement in order to actively give back to the community that has been such a wonderful support to Artists’ Row.

The project was funded by a Georgia Council of the Arts Grassroots Art Project Grant of $2,000 for purchasing art supplies, while Artists’ Row donated $1,000 for the required 50% match.  Then the call went out to recruit volunteers who were willing to donate time and expertise.  In the short three months since the program began, over fifteen volunteers have answered the call.  

According to Lou Ann Zimmerman of Zimmerman Gallery, “Once someone volunteers, they want to come back again and again.  We enjoy the experience as much as the patients do.” 

The children are often withdrawn and tentative initially.  Zimmerman explains, “Whenever the children are taken out of their rooms, it is normally for some sort of treatment that they don’t especially like.  But when they realize they are just there to have fun, they open up and thoroughly enjoy themselves.”

To volunteer or donate funds to this project, contact Richard Bush, the project director, at Gallery on the Row (1016 Broad Street / 706.724.4989).