Centre Universitaire de santé McGill McGill University Health Centre
July, 2009
Dear Heartwarming Art:
In the last decade or so, healthcare facilities have undergone various transformations that have put a much greater emphasis on the environment and the effects this may have on the healing process, particularly in pediatric settings. Over the years, it has been proven that the environment does indeed play a crucial role in the healing process of our patients as well as having a positive effect on their families and the hospital staff. Medical studies have even suggested that environmental design can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, lessen pain, alter moods and even decrease the length of stay needed at the hospital.
Thus, gone are the days when the norm for hospitals was sterile, functional, colorless and most of all scary. Today, the creation of a compelling and cohesive environment that is enhanced by appropriate artwork helps to send a clear message that in addition to the physical condition of our patients, we also care about their psychological well-being. Patient-centred, psychologically supportive environments help patients and their families cope with the stress and anxiety inherent in all hospital stays or visits by providing an interesting, colorful and even soothing diversion from the reality of the tests and/or treatments they are about to receive.
In our efforts to create a warm, welcoming and friendly environment, the MCH has been fortunate enough to receive many pieces of art from the HEARTWARMING ART Collection. This artwork is generated via workshops held in various schools and communities. Whether created by aspiring artists or regular children and adults, these works of art express peoples’ interpretations of subjects that are soothing and most of all, familiar to everyone. Our experience at the MCH has demonstrated that art based on universal themes such as nature (trees, water, sun, flowers, etc), family, animals (fish, dogs, birds, butterflies, etc) and outer space (planets, stars, moon) for example, appeals most to our diversified population that includes male and female children and teens from 0-18 years old and who also come from various religious, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
The Heartwarming Art Collection has captured the essence of these themes in a fun and whimsical fashion, evoking in our patients and their families as well as the hospital staff, an uplifting feeling of warmth and comfort. Not only does the artwork embellish our surroundings, but more importantly, it significantly contributes to the creation of a less-threatening and healing environment that provides a sense of well-being and inspires confidence not only in the patients, but in their parents and caregivers as well. Many of the pieces from The Heartwarming Art Collection that grace the walls of the MCH, offer a wonderful point of interest and an often needed form of distraction which ultimately helps to reduce the anxiety and stress levels of both patients and their families.
L’HÔPITAL DE MONTRÉAL POUR ENFANTS • THE MONTREAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Dear Ms. Carmel, Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the art you have donated on behalf of the children in your workshops to the Los Angeles Times’ Kids’ Reading Room. The beauty and vitality of the children’s art will be a welcome addition. Although I receive hundreds of stories, poems, jokes and book reviews, I receive a relatively small amount of art submissions. I suspect that that is due to the fact that in many schools, art is not taught any more. Just as Man needs food for his body, he needs art for his soul. But it needs to be brought out. You are doing just that by holding your workshops. Very best wishes for success of your organization, Heartwarming Art.
Regards, Jennifer James Los Angeles Times 800-LATIMES ext 77656
Dear Ms Sanchioni,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how much we are enjoying the art donations from your organization. It has been three years since they were hung and they continue to bring us joy each and every day. The air is simply lighter for all of us when we see them. I know you know what we deal with here every day, but sometimes the emotions are more than any human should ever have to bear. Your art is like a light in our hearts and it continually reminds us of all that is good and pure. Lastly, I will say congratulations on the success of your workshops. I continually hear about them and I think that they are truly inspirational. I would love to be part of one some day.
Most gratefully,
Evelyn
(Montreal Women's Shelter)
Dear Heartwarming Art,
Last month, I ordered a print for my niece’s Birthday. It was from the Tissue collection (a big red tulip). I took it to Ikea and got a huge black frame for it and rested it on my mantle until I could buy enough wrapping paper to cover it. Well, in the two weeks it sat there, I had compliments from every person that came into my house. Needless to say, the tulip now hangs over my fireplace and so I have ordered a different picture for my niece. My teenage daughter says it’s the most beautiful thing in our house. The texture and color is incredible and I love how big it is.
We just saw on your website today, that every time someone orders a print, another one is donated to medical facility to help patients recover. It reminded me of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” when every time someone does something nice, an angel gets its wings. Anyway, I never knew that before, but it makes me feel even better about the purchase. The print was not cheap, but it sure was worth it!
