While curating “The Healing Power of Color” 2022 exhibition these artists caught my attention with their incredible art and written statements. They explained the positive healing impact they experience while creating art. They also desire to convey a positive impact on viewers of their art, which includes lifting their spirits, encourage hope and lead to healing.

I encourage you to visit these artists’ websites to see more of their art and learn more about them.

Emz Finch ~ A Personal Healing Experience

Looking Up Trees to See Glorious Colour Through the Leaves, oil paint and gold leaf, 39″ x 47″

Emz Finch lives in London, U.K. She is represented by Wychwood Art, is one of a few hand-selected artists in the Artist Appreciation Initiative run by interior designer, Lindi Reynolds, and is very active creating commission art pieces.

With her outstanding submissions to “The Healing Power of Color” exhibition she shared some very personal information about the healing power of art. As she explained, “I had 3 miscarriages during Covid lockdowns and got PTSD flashbacks afterwards. Trees drew me outside. One day, I saw a pebble in a branch that had painted on it ‘be happy’. I lay down under this tree, breathed deeply and started to see colour. The only way I could describe this experience was through colour. I chose my ‘happy’ colour, neon pink for my ground and vibrant pinks or calming greens with a bright blue hue.” emzfinchart.co.uk

Pamela Chrabieh ~ A War Survivor

Rise, hybrid iconography painting (mixed media and digital art)

Pamela Chrabieh is a visual artist, researcher, author, consultant, and writer based in Nicosia, Cyprus. She has had many exhibitions worldwide. As an activist, she has been a member of local/international NGOs, and a member of executive committees and advisory/editorial boards of several organizations since 1995, and she founded an online movement of writers and artists focused on gender issues.

Along with her powerful artwork she submitted this profound statement to us: “‘Rise’… A word that represents my state of mind as a war survivor and the spirit of many Lebanese in the last five decades marked by vicious cycles of war, explosions, and multiform crises. A call through deconstructed/restructured digital iconographic lines and kaleidoscopic colors (green: freedom, rebirth; red: the blood of victims, the fire of survival; yellow: hope beyond chaos) for all those who are still struggling with wounded memories, are facing murderous identities, and are torn by displacement.” pamelachrabiehblog.com

Alexandra Kingswell ~ Helping With Grief

Hope: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it, 100% cotton fabrics, 74″ x 53″

Alexandra Kingswell lives in the U.K., has had many exhibitions, and two of her works of art are included in the International Quilt Museum’s permanent Contemporary Textile Art Collection (located in Lincoln, Nebraska).

When she submitted her inspirational art to “The Healing Power of Color” she stated, “My work is a love affair with colour. If love, passion and excitement communicate, I am happy. My pieces share my life’s journey, helping me rejoice and helping me grieve. Creating them is a head and heart activity. It feels wholesome. It balances me. It raises my mood. We play, pray, struggle, and dance together. For my viewers, the message is simple – ‘be blessed’. Let the colours say to you what needs to be said. That is your personal dance.” On her website she shares, “My aim is to give viewers a joyful and arresting visual experience. To inspire contemplation. To lift spirits and make people smile!”  alexandra-kingswell.co.uk

Geraldine Martinez ~ Healing and Hope

Gibraltar Orange Sunset, digital art on Procreate

Geraldine Martinez lives in the U.K. and has been commissioned to create three outdoor murals in Gibraltar. She was awarded a Gibraltar Cultural Award for “Best Education Project”. She states, “I was thrilled to be recognised in this capacity because environmental issues are important to me.”

With her breathtaking entry to our exhibition Geraldine wrote, “I rely on color as a thematic expression in my work. The color treatment in my murals offer a sense of revitalisation, healing and hope. In a way I consider my murals to be art therapy pieces since they encourage a positive mental outlook. Bright colors are what drew me to create digital art. Instead of encouraging disconnection through the often unhealthy use of electronics, my digital work is a means to connect to others and express myself through color. geraldinemartinezart.com

Andrea Joyce Feldman ~ Healing from Chemo

Dusk, watercolor and oil pastel 12″ x 18″

Andrea Joyce Feldman lives in Deltay Beach, Florida. Her many exhibitions include those held at The Whitney Center for the Arts, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, and Berkshire Museum, among others. She is also the author of The Artful Warrior: How Painting Helped Me and other publications.

With her awe-inspiring entry to “The Healing Power of Color” she shared this statement: “I started making art when I was terribly sick from chemo. As I healed from my ordeal I became more calm, colors and images became more meditative. ‘Dusk’ is from the ‘Above and Below’ series and my fascination with nature and the duality of all things. These horizontal, landscape, or layered paintings speak to the recurring theme of pushing through the darkness to reach the light.” andreajoycefeldmanart.com

Michael Aldag ~ Expressing Faith and Harmony

Interfaith Triptych, oil on panel, 16″ x 24″

Michael Aldag is a fine artist from Southern Illinois. To create his engaging works of art he draws inspiration from his environment, childhood, and faith. In addition to selecting his art for “The Healing Power of Color” exhibition I also chose his work for our “Inspirational Art in Mixed Media Exhibition”.

With his art entries to “The Healing Power of Color” Michael wrote, “I use a lot of symbols in my artwork and I love the symbolism of different colors. For example, in ‘Interfaith Triptych’ green is incorporated into the geometric patterns because it is the color of Islam. Gold is integrated as well, as it is reminiscent of the gold leafing used in medieval Christian altarpieces. There is a harmony created between the colors and shapes encouraging peace and understanding.” michaelaldag.carbonmade.com

Nimi Trehan ~ Art that is Therapeutic

Symphony of Temple Bells 2, acrylic on canvas. 48″ x 36″

Nimi Trehan lives in Maryland and exhibits internationally. When she served as a project manger at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, she emphasized the therapeutic role of art in creating healing environments. Recently, SoulAtPlay invited Nimi to produce a solo exhibition on their website because her art resonates with people interested in “depth psychology, embodiment, and expressive arts.”

With her entries to “The Healing Power of Color” competition she wrote, “My palette of warm and vibrant hues naturally weaves its way into my art that is very therapeutic and instantly uplifts one’s spirits and exudes joy, arousing those who are troubled with depression or neurasthenia. I grew up in an environment of color in India and observed the positive impact of color on the mundane lives of poor people. Color flows through the veins of every Indian and it unites its diverse people and links generations.” nimitrehan.com

View Art from “The Healing Power of Color” 2022 Exhibition

As you will see, their remarkable art, lives and statements provide hope, comfort, and inspiration for us. We can learn from them how to also prevail and thrive through the healing power of art and having the right attitude.

“The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS” is an initiative of Manhattan Arts International, based in NYC, NY. We believe art has the power to heal, inspire, provoke, challenge and offer hope. We raise awareness about how art is a positive catalyst for enhancing the well-being of individuals, society and the environment. We accomplish our goals through an inspirational online art gallery, articles and online art exhibitions.

Tommy B. McDonell

When Tommy submitted her art to “The Spirit of Resilience” exhibition she shared this statement: “MS began at 43 and MS took over me at 63. Pain was tolerable but not my cognitive decline. Painting with alcohol inks, mixed media, encaustics helped me cope. I learned not only the values of light and dark but also the value of my art. I am a piece of abstract art; I have become myself.”

She adds, “Moving from NYC to NC was (and is) difficult for me. My life has greatly changed due to my MS, which now affects how I think and how I process information. Art has given me a way to be almost who I was in NYC: excited, verbal, with many, oh so many, viewpoints!”

The multi-talented artist exudes, “I have never met an art medium that I didn’t want to try. I’ve worked in watercolors, alcohol inks, acrylics, oils, encaustics, pastels and more. It wasn’t until I began to combine them with mediums such as tar gel, or glass beads that I really developed my own style.”

Tommy also donates her artwork to many groups including: Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, A Stroke of Patriotism, and others.

Visit Tommy McDonell’s website tbmcdonellart.com

Andrea Pascual

Transcendence, pastel on paper, 20” x 16”

Andrea is skilled in several mediums which include oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, inks, collage and mixed media. Along with her submissions to “The Spirit of Resilience” exhibition, Andrea shared this statement about “Transcendence”: “This soaring figure represents the enduring spirit of survival after a terrible tragedy. I created this pastel during a difficult personal experience and the kindred spirit and sentiments we shared.”

When asked for more information about how she has dealt with resilience in her life the artist shared this poignant statement, “We met in an art class and became inseparable soon thereafter. He died suddenly in my arms four years later. My spirit withered, and my heart soured. I continued in the same life drawing class for several more years, struggling to find my way out of grief. My art began to evolve. I reached into my models and their shared sensibilities. When storms formed and tears fell, I cried as well. When stars shone and smiles appeared, I brightened. As the pain subsided, my drawings became alive and able to feel, smell and hear the spirit of the forms. Lights mixed with darks, and vibrant colors returned. I was once again vulnerable to the vagaries of life. This openness is the sustenance of creative experience.”

Visit Andrea Pascual’s website andreapascual.com

Cyndy Baran

Tangled Up in Blue, acrylic on cradled board 30″ x 40″

We selected Cyndy Baran’s “Tangled Up in Blue” to be included in “The Spirit of Resilience” exhibition for her outstanding abstract works of art. Then we learned that Cyndy was nearly killed in a horrendous car accident that took the lives of two young men. She explains, “If it weren’t for that one little inch between me and the out-of-control city bus careening towards my car, I would have been trapped in that tangled pile of metal under the belly of the bus.”

When Cyndy submitted her entries to “The Spirit of Resilience” exhibition she wrote: “I had a successful career as a business professional, but after a near death experience, I decided to leave my day job and pursue my passion.” This major life-changing event led Cyndy to leave her 25+ year business career. “I began my studies at Watkins College of Art & Design in Nashville TN, graduating with an AFA in 2002. I’ve been making art ever since.”

She tells us, “I believe the body intuitively knows what it needs. If you listen to that voice, it will take you where you need to be; for me, it is making Art.” About her artistic process she adds, “By creating calm among the chaos of life, I am able to hear my own voice, and thus, have empathy for the voices of those around me.”

Visit Cyndy Baran’s website cyndybaranstudio.com

Visit our online gallery of artist members

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Deane V. Bowers, deanevbowersart.com, is a self-described self-taught artist who lives in Seabrook Island, South Carolina. She is driven by a desire, “to be a responsible Environmental Steward in every aspect of my life. As an artist, whenever possible I always use reclaimed, recycled, repurposed and Eco Friendly materials.” Her purpose is to create art “that will be a tiny spark towards making the world a more loving, gentler, kinder place.” During the pandemic she felt the need to reach out to others and bring positivity. In this article Deane tells us what she did and about how artists transformed cardboard into hope and healing in the “Together While Apart Project”. We are delighted to add Deane to our “World Changers” series and also our “Artists Stories” series.

Everyone has their own story about how they experienced the loss, sadness, anxiety and unrest during the pandemic. Living on a barrier island outside of Charleston, SC, I wondered how I could help others cope with the grief and loneliness while experiencing so much isolation and sorrow myself. I had a strong calling to find a way to offer some form of Hope and Healing to others, no matter how small it was.

Unwilling to sit on the sidelines and watch the immense suffering caused by Covid, widespread racial injustices and community unrest, I wanted to find a way to bring people together and put the “social” back into social media. I thought that if I could unite a small group of people to be Hope Ambassadors, even people physically separated, we could work towards creating something bigger than ourselves. Collectively we might find joy, fellowship, and comfort and that somehow we could use our gifts to make a difference. I wanted to be part of the solution, to offer something positive, happy and bright to our hurting world.

I imagined a large art project to foster community and encourage Hope and Healing.

Determined to discover how I could do this, I turned to my own method of coping. As an artist, creativity has always been a way to process things and find positivity in life. I had recently read a blog about how a company created a giant quilt project to bring their employees together; an updated version of the old quilting circles. I wondered how I could create a similar collaboration based on the concept of community and put my own unique spin on it.

So on a whim, I imagined a large art project to foster community and encourage Hope and Healing. I was able to recruit 18 diverse artists from 8 different states thanks to social media. These men and women represented both coasts and were extremely excited to get involved and use their creative talents to help. My goal was that through working on the project, each artist would find joy and our collective joys would multiply and provide comfort to a broader audience.

Coordinating this collaboration from afar posed a few challenges. At the start of the project, the only abundant art supplies I had to send each participant were cardboard pieces from recycled shipping boxes I had accumulated. Because much of my own art is created with repurposed items, this was a perfect theme for the “Together While Apart Project”. Each artist received several 6” x 6” squares of cut cardboard to decorate anyway they desired. It is proof that you don’t have to have fancy art supplies in order to make art.

There was no right or wrong way to decorate each square. My only request was that each participant’s squares reflect their emotions at the time; any significant feelings brought forth by this moment in history. My hope was that through the creative process, each artist would find a sense of comfort, peace and community.

After many months of long distant creativity and communication among the artists, this amazing piece is finished. Because we were unwilling to just sit by, the Together While Apart artists had a strong desire to be apart of something bigger than ourselves. This amazing artwork is evidence that change can happen with just a tiny spark of an idea.

There are always kind hearted souls working on bringing Hope and Healing to others.

I was so grateful that what started as a small thought, blossomed into such a creative endeavor, uniting so many people. At the beginning of this project, I had no clear vision of what the final piece would look like. However, I knew the world needed to see this group’s creative gifts. I also knew that the participants needed to share these gifts in order to process the current situation our world was in. I can say with certainty that I am amazed at the outcome. This collaboration tells an inspirational story of resiliency, connection and purpose during a pandemic that none of us could have imagined a few years ago.

And now, it is time for this special piece of art to find its home. The recipient is yet to be determined, but it will be a non profit or medical facility whose mission resonates with the project. My wish is that wherever it is displayed, that it inspires love, warmth, empowerment, and joy – the emotions we all felt while working on it.

I hope that when other people see it, they remember that our collective strength comes when we show love for one another. That when we connect with one another, we can work together for the common good.

And that despite the utter chaos and sadness in our world, there are always kind hearted souls working on bringing Hope and Healing to others. This is evident in the 19 artists who came together for this project, who had no other goal then wanting to heal our communities.

Learn more about our “World Changers” series.

Visit Deane’s website deanevbowersart.com

Read Deane’s article on the National Museum of American History website americanhistory.si.edu/stories-of-2020/story

Join Deane on Instagram Instagram.com/DeaneVBowersArt

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Please note: In 2022 we learned the H.O.P.E. Ministry has been on hold due to COVID. We will provide updates when they come available.

Karen Johnston, studiokarenjohnston.com, is an extraordinary intuitive, abstract painter and instructor living in Nashville, Tennessee. The powerful healing nature of her artwork is invaluable. She is also the founder of The H.O.P.E. Ministry, a community that supports and shares the healing journey. Many people of all ages have benefited from her compassion, love and generosity.  It is an honor to present this inspirational interview with her here and include her among our “World Changers” series.

We selected Karen for the Featured Artist Membership Award in The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS “Art That Lifts Our Spirits” exhibition.  You can visit her membership page here. Her artwork can be found in numerous private collections throughout the U.S. and her many exhibitions that include those at J Gallery, Alive Hospice, Chromatics Gallery, and The Arts Center of Cannon County among other venues. 

I am also honored that Karen has agreed to participate as a Special Recognition Art Award panelist in our exhibition “The Spirit of Resilience”. She wrote, “As an artist, instructor, cancer survivor, and leader of a healing ministry, resilience is the result of a buoyant mind-set.”

Karen, when and how did you start The H.O.P.E. Ministry?

In 2010, I wrote and submitted the original proposal to start a healing ministry at our church in Nashville, TN. A few months later in 2011, we hosted our first meeting. Immediately, the group attracted members and grew beyond our parish and into the community. At that time, it was a support group solely focused on those affected by cancer. After a while, people began to ask if they could join the group due to other life-challenging illnesses or were caregivers. That’s when we expanded into The H.O.P.E. Ministry (Healing. Optimism. Prayer. Encouragement.) and included everyone along the healing path.

What inspired you to initiate H.O.P.E.?

The idea originated from an unexpected connection in 2010. I had just had surgery for cancer and two weeks later, a woman from my church called me with a similar diagnosis. I was happy to share my experience and she was grateful for the camaraderie. As a pair of new cancer survivors, this relationship was one of honest giving and receiving. It posed a visionary question… if everyone had support along their journey…. what would that look like?

We formed a seed that eventually flourished into more. It became apparent to me that whole healing wasn’t only personal, physical, and prescriptive, but heavily multi-faceted, creative, and social. Starting a cancer support group had never been a prior aspiration, but after I had cancer, it made sense to me and felt important to share this perspective, especially if it could impact others.

“I approach The H.O.P.E. Ministry much like I approach my abstract painting — with an open mind, an open heart, and an ever-expanding sense of trust.”

Please describe the purpose of The H.O.P.E. Ministry.

The H.O.P.E. Ministry is a community that gathers to support and share the healing journey through any stage of cancer or life-changing illness, including caregivers, family members and friends. When you gather with The H.O.P.E. Ministry, you allow our mutual-help community to nurture your well-being with fellowship, compassion, prayer, expression, and the open space to simply be.

Through casual group sharing, listening, humor, inspiration, and resource information, you gain a chance to process your journey in a positive, atmosphere with others who have experienced similar ups and downs. Coming together during this sacred time can make a meaningful difference, build supportive relationships, foster insight, and help you to restore a greater sense of wholeness.

Who else works with you at The H.O.P.E Ministry?

Due to the broad nature of healing, The H.O.P.E. Ministry has been able to include a variety of people that includes doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, spiritual leaders, artists, writers, musicians, educators, therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, yoga instructors, exercise specialists, non-profit leaders, businesses, special interest providers, compassionate individuals, and others along the way who support the mission of holistic care and well-being. Everyone comes together to support each other, sharing their unique gifts, and making a good difference.

I am open to including anyone who has a passion for the cause. As much as possible, I like to encourage member participation. Just because someone has received a diagnosis doesn’t mean their light and perspective is diminished. Our own members are huge contributors and that helps forge an organic sense of belonging. We get to know and appreciate each other well. The deep bonds and sense of care that develops stimulates a natural helpfulness within the group.

How do you lead The H.O.P.E. Ministry from your perspective as an artist and your experience?

As an artist who continues to cultivate and lead this healing ministry, I approach The H.O.P.E. Ministry much like I approach my abstract painting — with an open mind, an open heart, and an ever-expanding sense of trust.

I use the intuitive, artist mindset to sensitively listen to all members of the group, much as I would “listen” to my paintings. It’s how I get to know them better and get to know their gifts in order to help them purposely share within the group. It is beautiful, for instance, to encourage their creativity in the kitchen in order to share their favorite recipes at meetings or finding ways to help them share their stories, or their crafts, or being open to fusing their professions into enjoyable and/or informative meetings.

The dynamics often change, and it helps to be adaptable and fluid amidst the unknown. It has led to its long-standing continuation and has fostered growth in unexpected ways.

Also, as an artist, I think art, creativity and imagination are huge within the healing process. Over the years through The H.O.P.E. Ministry, I have included multiple ways of using art and creativity to spread joy and healing.

What are a few of the art activities you have organized through The H.O.P.E. Ministry?

In 2014 , I had the privilege of hosting a community-wide art show titled “The Conversation,” using many of the paintings and journal entries that I created during the stages of my own health, healing, and caregiving journey. I organized a panel of experts to talk about the broad and vulnerable nature of “whole” healing which included a nurse, a therapist, a priest, and me, the artist. I later formulated a mobile version of that show for another group that started in response to our model.

Over the years, I have been able to include a variety of children’s artwork in our ministry which is always well-received. For different occasions, the children of our parish school have created hand-made Valentine’s for our members. They sculpted Christmas ornaments and welcome gifts for our members. They baked treats and came to sing for our group.

I have also personally developed hands-on art experiences for our members, most recently “Project LOVE.”

How did “Project LOVE” come about?

I was set to host an in-person art meeting for H.O.P.E. when COVID-19 shut everything down. Refusing to let the virus cripple our connection, I developed a simple way to safely do an art activity from home. Creating a video was the easiest way to share the outcome. The idea for “Project LOVE” stemmed from a long-distance project I did with my family when my dad was in strict isolation for his own cancer treatment. Art heals! Here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/NZzCrBtesSM

“A huge success of this group is being able to show people that even though they have an illness, they are bigger and brighter than their illness…”

Please provide an example of how H.O.P.E. has changed people’s lives through the healing power of art.

A man in his 80’s entered our ministry to process his wife’s sudden death from cancer. He painted for the very first time with us and fell in love with the process. After many “art conversations” he went on to launch his own Etsy shop to show and sell his numerous works. Painting became a joy in his life.

I also had the honor of speaking to a group of pre-kindergarten “Kindness Ninja’s” about H.O.P.E. and supporting others. Inspired to make a cheerful difference, they hand-painted beautiful, keepsake gifts and made us all honorary “Kindness Ninja’s.” It was truly uplifting.

What other activities does H.O.P.E. engage in?

We flex back and forth between meetings that are educational, inspirational, creative, and/or discussion based. It’s enjoyable to get everyone wholly immersed in an activity. For instance – we had singer-songwriters join us for an honest discussion. They turned our words into a song, then returned to perform “our song” for us. We have had nutrition experts join us to help create and sample healthy food recipes. We have had book discussions, simple yoga sessions, and holiday celebrations, to name a few. For years, I held separate discussion groups that solely focused on the art of conversation.

For those who aren’t able to physically join us, we collaborate with a ministry that knits prayer shawls. Their gorgeous and patient handiwork is a beautiful demonstration of intention and care. It allows us to extend a warm gesture to those needing extra love along their journey.

In what ways can people near and far help support The H.O.P.E. Ministry?

H.O.P.E. has been blessed by many who are able to donate their gifts and knowledge to our group. We are always interested in incorporating new ideas and activities. In order to do arts meetings, we need funding for supplies. The biggest honor is when people are inspired to extend our mission by offering compassionate support to others. It takes all of us to pay attention to those who are suffering, extend our hands in purposeful ways, and make a difference.

To what do you attribute the success of The H.O.P.E. Ministry?

Everyone is welcome and accepted – as participants or volunteers! A huge success of this group is being able to show people that even though they have an illness, they are bigger and brighter than their illness or their loved one’s illness. Their gifts, their presence, and their participation — in big or small ways – is meaningful and important. Once they see that, it helps put a new perspective on things.

The group also radiates a feeling of family where everyone genuinely cares about one another. It feels comforting to know that everyone in the group shares an understanding of the journey and that no one needs to journey alone.

What advice can you offer artists who are interested in starting a similar healing group?

Starting a healing group involves a significant commitment of time, energy, discipline, and passion. It is rewarding but, like everything, will present its own set of challenges. While you care for others, you must be able to physically, mentally, and spiritually nourish yourself in positive ways in order to maintain health, balance, and focus.

Particularly for artists, embracing a regular, personal art practice yields an intrinsic form of self-care and honest expression that is valuable beyond compare.

What plans do you have for The H.O.P.E. Ministry in the coming year?

With COVID-19 in the mix, I’ve adjusted our gatherings to an online format. It’s been amazing to keep in touch via Zoom. I keep our meetings organized such that everyone gets a chance to talk and share, but there is always time for casual chit-chat, too. Given the vulnerability of this group, our upcoming meetings will more than likely be online (rather than in-person), perhaps interlaced with some fun projects. This year is certainly new territory for us!

Do you have plans to expand the concept of H.O.P.E. in other communities or help others set up similar program?

H.O.P.E. is a beautiful complement to the healing journey. I would love to see it expand to any community that is interested in adding compassionate support to their cause or for their patients.

I am always open to advising others and have helped set various support groups in motion. Nurturing inner well-being is an important part of healthcare. It makes a positive difference to hold space, listen, and continually provide opportunity to learn, grow, and form meaningful relationships amidst adversity.

Visit Karen Johnston’s page on this website.

Visit Karen Johnston’s website.

Read about more World Changers on this website.

Drawn To Help is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created by artist Steve Barr to supplement existing art programs at hospitals, camps and treatment facilities around the country. This outstanding organization helps arrange “celebrity” appearances by successful cartoonists and talented artists who want to improve children’s lives. When Steve learned about our call for artists to share their stories, he reached out to tell us all about Drawn To Help. We’re honored to share his article here. After you read it,  I encourage you to visit the website to learn more about it and how you can volunteer, contribute, or donate. If you’re an artist or cartoonist see how you can help in your local area. ~ Renée Phillips

By Steve Barr, Founder, Drawn To Help

Did you ever read articles or studies about the deep impact art can have on healing and wonder if the results they reported were really true?

I have. And I found some of the claims to be rather unbelievable. That is, until I got to see those magical moments happen right in front of my eyes. Over and over again. And it is simply amazing.

Several years ago, a dear friend’s son was diagnosed with Leukemia. She knew that I was a cartoonist who visited schools and libraries, and she mentioned to me that she had seen the deep impact art programs could have on pediatric patients, then suggested that I might want to visit a children’s hospital from time to time.

Little did I know that she was sending me off on the adventure of a lifetime. What has happened since then has been absolutely stunning. Those first few visits turned into something much larger than I had ever imagined. Mostly through word of mouth, my cartooning programs for children in hospitals literally exploded. It has now become an organization known as “Drawn To Help”, and we take really talented professional cartoonists to visit young patients at multiple treatment facilities in seven states.

We’re planning to continue to expand as much as we possibly can in the coming years. But what I’d really like to share with you is what I’ve seen, and what many of our volunteers have witnessed as well.

There is something about the word “cartoons” that swings children’s hearts and doors open. For example, on a recent visit to a hospital, I was asked to do bedside visits. We went to the room of a young girl who was suffering from such deep depression that she had not spoken to her parents or staff members in days. Everyone in the room was stunned when she was asked if she’d like to learn how to draw cartoons and she perked up and said yes!

A talented caricaturist accompanied me, and he drew for the parents while I sketched with that little girl. By the time we left her room, she had moved herself from her bed into her wheelchair and was excitedly talking to her parents about what she wanted to do when she went home.

Creating art had made her begin looking towards the future again!

We’ve seen that with young cancer patients, kids who are waiting for transplants and so many others. Another impressive impact we’ve watched happen over and over again is that children who have lost their appetites due to their treatments suddenly begin nibbling on food while they’re drawing, because they forgot they weren’t hungry.

In one case, I was asked to visit an 11 year-old who was in hospice care. She had actually written a “bucket list” of things she wanted to do before she passed, and one of the things on her list was to learn how to draw cartoons. She had not eaten for two days.

When we got done drawing together, she surprised everyone in the room by sitting up and asking, “Can I order a bagel with cream cheese and a really LARGE orange juice?”

Drawn To Help gives each child we visit a free packet of art supplies that they get to keep, so they can continue experiencing the healing aspects of creativity long after our volunteers have gone home. And, we give them free art instruction books. When I gave that little one her gift pack and books, she asked if she could have five more.

I smiled and asked her why she wanted five, and she said “My brothers and sisters are coming to visit to say goodbye, and I want to have nice presents for them.”

She got them. And a big smile.

Those gift packs are an essential part of what Drawn To Help does. They enable “our kids” to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of creating their own art for hours and hours after the visits are done. I’ve personally witnessed children who were in the middle of painful treatments suddenly begin to giggle when they got to draw funny pictures during the process. I’ve seen their worries and pain go away.

To give you an idea of the huge positive impact art can have on children, here’s a quote from an e-mail I received recently: “Hey Steve! This is Madysen, Zion’s older sister. I just wanted to email you to let you know that I am so, so, appreciative for you being in my little brother’s life. You are a light in his world and helped bring him out of his shell, just a few years back he wouldn’t even communicate with us as much as he does now, he used to be so quiet about his art and not let anyone see it, now he takes pride in it! And he used to be so embarrassed about his (high-functioning) autism, but now he lets the world know that he not only has it, but owns it, and he shows other kids with ASD that they can do anything they set their hearts and minds to. I just want to say, Thank You. Thank you so much, I am forever grateful for you being in his life.” ~ Madysen McCarty

Drawn To Help is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Drawn To Help are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

If you’d like to learn more about what Drawn To Help does, these links will help you find more information about us.

Visit the Drawn to Help website: drawntohelp.com

Join Drawn to Help on Social Media
Facebook Page: facebook.com/DrawnToHelp/

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“One of the deepest desires of the human soul is to create.” Dieter Uchdorf

Bringing Joy to Others Through Creativity

By Maryan Myres Shumway

Children with disabilities are being looked on with more respect and understanding. The faint of voice is being heard–and that brings peace to hearts, and I believe, nations.

Since I have a teenage son Elias with autism who loves art, I decided to create an experiment. What would it be like for him to teach other children and teenagers with disabilities? Would we be able to detect changes in the kids? Could he instruct and lead in a classroom setting? I knew whatever happened would be an adventure. That was about one year ago… and the experiment is ongoing.

Every Wednesday morning we load up our bags of art supplies, pick some music to play and head out to a school for disabilities here in Doha, Qatar.

Perhaps it has been one of the best experiments (or should I say “discoveries”) of my life. I have seen children, teenagers, and young adults brim with joy as they create. Behavior, focus, confidence, and awareness have increased. As my son, Elias has exclaimed, “Everyone is a lot calmer now from the beginning of the year, Mom.” As I reflect, maybe we all are a little more calm, peaceful, happy.

To watch children with disabilities develop and see their reservoir of creativity has lifted and changed me. Some of them, in the beginning, would not touch a brush, pencil, or paint. They adamantly refused. We modeled for them that twirling different colors of paint and mixing them together brought them wonder and more coordination. And better yet, to dab and press paint over paper is to excavate new joy.

To watch children and teenagers who showed no expression before becoming increasingly responsive by a simple art project has shown me how much the human spirit needs and even craves, to create. Exploring and discovering become the daily norm when we dare to create and invite others to do it too.

At the end of March 2018, we (with some other typical teenagers) put together an exhibit of the work that our students had been working on all year long. Everyone marveled at our students’ intricate compositions. They were beautifully composed and brought brightness to the room. But more than anything I will tuck in my pocket the joy of watching our students’ faces this year. To see their change of expressions and emotions bring me back again and again to the art table. As the months have gone by this school year, I have seen people permanently transform–myself included.

In the corner of my eye, I watch for the parents as they arrive with their children. Sometimes I see anguish, a shadow of exhaustion and sadness. I know the feeling. I have been in that terrain myself–waiting for some light to flicker in my path. I go over to them, sometimes with a translator, and express encouragement. I show them their child’s work and often point to how the child is absorbed and happy. I report to them that I see growth. They believe my earnest words. I detect the return of hope and cheer.

When the parents tell me their kids want to do art projects at home and they see improvement, I feel immense joy. If I could look in the rear view mirror of my own self ten years ago, I hung on every word of support anyone gave during that time about my son. I remembered the words of encouragement and would replay them in my mind when I felt a shadow coming.

As Elias and I teach art to children with disabilities, I marvel at their progress and new-found joy. Furthermore, I teach art to support the parents who are on my same autism journey. And I teach art to see my own son with autism learn to teach, love, and give hope. I glimpse a sense of awakening purpose in him too–he knowing that he is making a difference. I would say we are, in a backhand sort of way, bringing healing to different countries in this region.

Children with disabilities are being looked on with more respect and understanding. The faint of voice is being heard–and that brings peace to hearts, and I believe, nations.

Art transcends languages, skillsets, differences. As the music swirls in the air and paint begins to flow, a peace enters in the classroom. And I guess you could say we are all healing together.

To learn more about Maryan and Elias visit the Opening The Sky Blog: openingthesky.com

I wrote articles about my dear friend Joanne Turney several years ago and it was published in Professional Artist magazine and also Luxe Beat magazine. I was reminded about it today and decided to publish it here on The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website with some changes. It is a part of the “Artists Stories” series and also joins our many articles about “Artists Who Transform Tragedy into Triumph”.

In March, 2022, Joanne will celebrate her 93rd birthday. As a breast cancer survivor she in the best of health and lives life with joy and an unwavering positive attitude. She refuses to accept the notion of “old age” and refers to this time in her life as “advanced youth.”

Transformation and Metamorphosis, acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 36″

Joanne Turney is an active senior and accomplished abstract painter, author, and classical pianist. I’ve had the good fortune of knowing her for more than 20 years. She has served as an important positive role model for me and many other individuals who are blessed to know her.

We can learn from Joanne who has mastered the art of living in the present and celebrates life with daily gratitude and reverence. She views aging as an opportunity for growth and transformation…

“I now face all challenges with gratitude because I know they are my teachers and they give me opportunities for positive growth and guidance.” ~ Joanne Turney

Joanne Turney’s dramatic award-winning art has been influenced by her extensive world travels, having lived in the colorful Costa Del Sol, in Spain.  Her successful art career includes many international exhibitions, including a one-person exhibition at La Casa de Cultura, Estepona, Spain, and several gallery exhibitions in New York, NY.

Her art work is in many private collections worldwide such as International Resources Corporation, in Washington, D.C.; Mallorcan Properties International, Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Hyatt Hotel, Arlington, VA.

“The Art of Healing” ~ 13 Paintings Created After Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Shown here is “Home Free”, a painting by Joanne Turney.

Joanne Turney’s spiritual foundation has provided strength during challenging times. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer she explained that her initial reaction was shock and devastation. Shortly afterward she asked the question: “God, what shall I do about this situation?” She recalls, the answer she received was loud and clear: “Paint.”

This life-changing event gave birth to her extraordinary series titled “The Art of Healing” — thirteen paintings that depict the emotional stages of her battle against and eventual recovery from breast cancer.

This important series expresses the universal feelings associated with loss, suffering, fear, faith, hope and healing.

During the painting process Turney experienced a healing transformation. She is pleased that the paintings also serve as inspiration and hope for viewers. She has donated several paintings from this series to a healing facility.

“The Art of Joyful Aging” ~ Her Book that Celebrates the Benefits

This exuberant red-haired woman shows no sign of slowing down. In a recent conversation she discussed her plans to create another new series of paintings in addition to volunteering in a major art museum. In addition to her charity work she has served as a volunteer for the White House during two different administrations.

The artist declares emphatically, “My thoughts create my life!”. She refuses to accept the notion of “old age” and refers to this time in her life as “advanced youth.”

Determined to replace the negative stereotypes that society attaches to aging she created a book titled “The Art of Joyful Aging”. This book contains more than ninety color life-affirming “Teeny Turney” paintings that celebrate the positive benefits of aging.

Adjacent to her paintings in the book are quotations from famous people through the ages as well as ordinary folks, friends and relatives. A famous quotation by Pablo Picasso appears: “It has taken a long time to become young.”

Turney has presented many inspirational talks and has raised money for different charities through sales of her book and her art work.

It should be within hand’s reach on every one’s book shelf and coffee table as a constant reminder of the how to excel in the art of living.

(Unfortunately her book “The Art of Joyful Aging” is no longer available to purchase.)

Her “Pictures At An Exhibition” Paintings

Joanne’s background as a classical pianist and teacher is a key influence in her art work. In fact, a recent series of paintings were inspired by “Pictures At An Exhibition”, composed by Mussorgsky. These paintings exude her mastery of color, composition and rhythm. They exemplify her spontaneous painting process that combines her technical prowess with innate trust that allows the creative process to flow without interference.

The artist’s unbridled color palette ranges from passionate vermillion red to cool cerulean blue. Throughout her canvases we witness tactile crackled surfaces as they erupt and coalesce with fluid pools in a continuous symphony of harmony and contrast.

“Il Vechio Castello”, acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 36″, from Joanne Turney’s “Pictures At An Exhibition” series.

Joanne Turney is the only woman I know who was married to the same man for 63 years. Sadly, he died several years ago. In her inimitable spirit she has  faced this difficult time with tremendous courage and credits her faith for providing the comfort she needs.

She greets the dawn of each day with an expression of appreciation and recites approximately sixty positive affirmations. A favorite one of hers is, “I now face all challenges with gratitude because I know they are my teachers and they give me opportunities for positive growth and guidance.”

Detail of “The Ballet of the Unhatched Chickens” by Joanne Turney, from her “Pictures At An Exhibition” series.

Joanne knows the importance of living life fully guided by a generosity of spirit, faith, creative expression, and positive purpose. She reminds us of this statement expressed by Eleanor Roosevelt that appears in her book: “I could not at any age, be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on.”

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The Benefits of Art Expression

By John Danks

I lead a life that some may consider simple in my studio apartment. I love to study art history and develop my craft. My full time job is as a Certified Recovery Specialist in the drug and alcohol field. I have the opportunity to facilitate art as meditation and as expression and healing. For me, art has been the next best thing to pure meditation.

My main ministry has been as a volunteer at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. For almost six years I have been rolling my “Art Cart” that I implemented and fund down the halls of the hospital, where I involve the young patients who are enduring lengthy medical treatments. Creating art gives them a sense of accomplishment, self-control, and helps lift their souls in their unsettling situation.

I just love being there and any problems I may have melt away after I leave. Not only does this keep me gratefully balanced but also has a contemplative effect after being with and sharing art as healing with the children.

On these visits I bring my art cart stocked with everything from colored pencils to markers and more. My intention is to act as an “Artist Buddy” to bring kids and their parents some uplifting relief while they are waiting for or receiving treatment. The children’s eyes light up when they see me and the art cart, especially on Mondays in the oncology department where they wait eagerly for my arrival. This is a great opportunity that they allow me to go down there and be a part of their clinics.

When I began doing this, at first the parents were a bit leery. Now, they are excited to see the benefits of art expression and the way it lifts the children’s spirits. And on many occasions, the parents themselves create art which gives them relief from the stresses of seeing their children in a most difficult situation.

I get to know these kids because they are there frequently. A six year old boy was receiving treatment for his Leukemia and we were busy immersed in some art activity. His mother was present and nearby. After a while this young boy with excitement looked at his mother with his pinky finger extended and said “Mom, I promise I am going to try not to look at video games as much and do more art.” He added, “Art makes my head feel better.”

There are some heartbreaks also. Christina, eight years old, had a very serious affliction. I would see her in the hospital and we would play a game of “Cat and Mouse” — she in her wheelchair and me chasing her with my art cart through the halls — laughing and giggling all the while. I remember the day she received her first wig as the chemotheraphy was affecting her body and she lost her hair. She was so excited with her new wig so I painted a portraiture of her with her preference of blue and pink butterflies in the background. It was so heartbreaking when she passed away in December of 2016, but her family now has a special portrait of her with those courageous eyes.

Cate Murray, writer for Bristol pilot states, “Artists appear to be happy people, with light, color and peacekeeping the company to the end of the each day. The only thing artists really need are to be bold and adventurous and John unselfishly, by his example, encourages others to not let a clean piece of white paper deter them. In fact, especially with children, he has found out that youngsters do not let anything deter them.”

The ultimate vision of my art cart endeavor would be to have a few more volunteers to manage the art cart and to have the art cart rolling down the halls of the children’s hospital five days of the week.

Visit John Danks’ website www.johndanksart.com/the-art-cartist.html

Join him on Facebook: facebook.com/john.danks.1293

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Capturing Healing Energy in Photography

By Dick and Rosanne

Our photographic images celebrate the unique studies of the awesomeness of nature. The purpose of our work in nature photography is to transplant the healing energy of nature to the walls of homes and offices to be appreciated throughout the day.

Most of our pictures are taken in our home and garden. We grow many interesting plants, both indoors and out, wild and cultivated.  Focusing on the world around us has given us an appreciation of the incredible beauty and power of nature.

If you sit in nature and start looking around, you will notice things never noticed before. Many things we take for granted have wonderful things to show us. The graceful leanings of a flower, the play of light and shadows, the incredible structure of something as common as the dandelion and moving patterns of clouds all engage us.

The interplay of insects on plants, colors of a sunset, and the color gradations of a flower petal enliven the senses. Patterns can be seen wherever we look — even the smallest of flowers have beautifully complex structures.

Once you start really looking at your environment you start appreciating colors and patterns in things both large and small. As you practice observing, appreciation of the environment grows, and a certain contentment claims you.

It Starts With A Healthy Garden

In our time here, we’ve watched the land heal and renew itself and us. It has brought new life which manifested as new plants and a variety of garden denizens. What pesticide producers consider weeds have their own unique qualities, beauty and healing properties. Everything in nature exists for a reason and a higher purpose.

We’ve spent many years cultivating our land into a natural oasis. By avoiding pesticides and other harmful chemicals we allowed our natural tapestry to flourish. We have learned that our photographs  reawaken viewers’ interest in nature and entice people to participate more in it and become involved in protecting it.

In our time here, we’ve watched the land heal and renew itself and us. It has brought new life which manifested as new plants and a variety of garden denizens. What pesticide producers consider weeds have their own unique qualities, beauty and healing properties. Everything in nature exists for a reason and a higher purpose.

Every plant and every eco system have their own unique offering and abundance to share. We freeze moments in time, so they can be read in leisure. You can’t possibly see as much as is there in a glance. The more you look at it, the more you see and the more is offered for your edification.

As we continue to capture these moments in photographs others can reflect and explore this remarkable multi-level offerings at their leisure and over time. We have also created sacred geometry mandala-like images of plants and flowers to help draw in the viewer in to see aspects of nature that would not have been noticed otherwise.

Visit their website DickandRosanne.com
Visit Dick and Rosanne’s youtube channel to enjoy a series of relaxing nature meditation videos.

We are grateful and honored to Laurie Marshall who graciously submitted this article to The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS about the art mural healing art project created one year after after the tragic Parkland shooting in Florida. It transformed a devastating and painful experience into a healing process. Laurie Marshall founded the Singing Tree Project in 1999 when she heard eight year-old Meredith Miller ask “What if the whole world made a painting together?” This organization has brought to fruition the vision of all of humanity working together and proves that “collaboration is not only possible, but it produces extraordinary results.” To date, the Singing Tree Mural Project is responsible for creating 74 murals involving 16,000 people from 50 countries. Laurie is co-founder of a Waldorf-inspired parent cooperative named Hearthstone. She has facilitated learning with universities, government agencies and businesses. In coaching teachers and administrators in public and private schools, she explains, “I focus on developing meaningful projects to heal community heartbreak (academic mastery always follows), violence prevention and peace-building through art.”

We are delighted to add her to our growing series about “World Changers”.

Turning Pain into Beauty

By Laurie Marshall

Westglades Middle School in Parkland, Florida coped with the first anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2019. There is nothing more humbling than facing the grief and helplessness that arises from the act of murder of innocent people. The shooter had gone to the middle school for three years. The staff had worried about him, but he slipped through the cracks.

Many of the students who died had gone to the middle school as well. One high school student had visited, Deborah Golding, her middle school art teacher, the week before the shooting. She came to tell Ms. Golding what a great teacher she was. And then her young life was over. Ms. Golding could not contain her tears as she told me the story.

Building Peace Through Art

I facilitated the 75th Singing Tree mural through the help of De Palazzo, Safe Schools Director at Equality Florida and a private benefactor. The Singing Tree Project is an international collaborative mural project the incorporates Peace Building Through Art, inspired by Nature. Each mural envisions healing of heartbreak and creates a shared vision of success.

A Collaborative Image Dedicated to Love

At Westglades Middle School, 350 art and drama students creatively processed their community’s nightmare together by making a collaborative image dedicated to love. The principal, Matthew Bianchi, was under pressure to have the middle school locked down on the anniversary of the shooting. The Broward County School District is entangled in law suits for negligence, because they failed to prevent the massacre which left 17 people injured and 17 people dead.

Only one-third of the students attended school on the first year anniversary. The rest of the students were home with their families or participating in memorial ceremonies at the high school.

The Lead Design Team and The Equality Club

Principal Bianchi, with support from art teacher Ms. Golding, chose to have the students work together outside on the Mangrove Singing Tree of Love – expressing themselves instead of being shut inside the classroom.

The Lead Design Team of the project was six students from the Equality Club – a gay-straight alliance which supports LGBTQ students. As facilitator, I incorporated the club members’ ideas for the mural, including the Mangrove Tree and its roots, a peace symbol, diamonds and stars in the sky, hanging flags that symbolize different sexualities, a rainbow earth where differences are celebrated, figures in the trees and nested hearts. The Equality Club ‘s vision served as inspiration for their school, which increased the status of this oft-bullied group.

As the students worked, they spoke tangentially of the massacre. They expressed their sadness on this tragic day and how glad they were to be outside, to be together, to be using their hands, to be immersed in color, to be making decisions, to be creative, to solve problems in a finite space, to invite their classmates to add their artwork, to connect, to touch the wall, to touch the paint.

A Symbol of Strength and Diversity

Westglades principal, Matthew Bianchi, said of the project, “The mural is beautiful and a powerful symbol of strength and diversity. The painting of the mural was therapeutic to our students who are healing from the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. It will be a constant reminder of the resolve our community has.”

You can see a short slide show of the process of making this tribute to love and resilience.  The goal is to create soul strengthening imagery to deal with the heartbreak of gun violence and young death, transforming pain into beauty. The project strives to help prevent violence, to create a world where every child knows they belong, they have purpose, they have meaning, they are unique and they are loved.

Visit Laurie Marshall‘s website

Visit the Singing Tree Project website.

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