Arts and Healing

 Arts and Healing by R. Rose Simon
 Seattle Examiner, Examiner.com
January 29, 2011
Artwork by JoAnne Dille


"The power of art as a healing force has been substantiated by scientific studies that focus on how art and music affect brain waves, the autonomic nervous system and the neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurophysiologists, scientists and medical professionals have researched the effects of the creative arts in healing. The results are coming back positive. Art and music can change a person’s perceptions, attitude, emotional state and pain perception. The creative act is a healing act in itself, regenerating the spirit and helping the body relax and restore itself properly. Hospitals all around the United States have instituted programs to bring the creative arts of music, art, drama, movement and journal writing to their patients. In addition to these programs, many hospitals sponsor displays of local artists in their facilities. The colorful display of artwork transforms what is traditionally considered a sterile environment and provides many positive effects. It helps to alleviate stress in patients and provide them a positive diversion from their illness, as well as promoting a sense of well-being and community. Art programs in hospitals bring the patient, family members, medical staff and the public together on a common level: sharing the appreciation of art. The artwork can serve as a catalyst to engage viewers into a dialogue with each other that otherwise might not have an opportunity to occur. Several Washington state hospitals have combined the creative arts with the medical arts with great success. Swedish Cancer Institute and Harborview Medical Center are two significant leaders in this field. Swedish Cancer Institute has integrated an extensive offering of complementary arts for their patients. Programs offered include: art, music and massage therapies along with meditation and naturopathic care. These services are offered with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for their patients and assisting with stress management. Harborview has been building an ongoing collection of visual art for more than eight years. This collection includes artists who reside in Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Artists can contact the Harborview‘s Art Program Director for consideration of their artwork in the collection. In addition to the art collection, Harborview has an extensive offering of therapeutic arts projects, workshops and activities in collaboration with artists, therapists and clinical staff."
 January 29, 2011
 Artwork by JoAnne Dille