Art from the Heart is a volunteer program that has connected volunteers, patients, caregivers, and art supplies at the University of Vermont Medical Center since 1994. Hospital rooms and chemotherapy infusion bays become temporary art studios for patients and their caregivers, transforming the hospital environment. The program supports children, families, patients of all ages, nurses, doctors, and all care team members. Just over half of the participants are children under the age of 18. Over 7,000 people participate in this program annually. Art from the Heart is FREE for anyone at UVM Medical Center and Children’s Hospital.
Contact Art from the Heart Coordinator Rebecca Schwarz at rschwarz@burlingtoncityarts.org or 802-865-9163.
Patient, Family, and Friend Resources
If you or someone you know is hospitalized at the medical center, you can request an art kit with project ideas and supplies for the patient and family members, making the hospital a more creative place. Email Rebecca Schwarz at rschwarz@burlingtoncityarts.org with the patient’s room number, which floor they are on, and which kit is requested. Choose from the art kits listed below.
Medical Center Employee Resources
If you work at the Medical Center in Burlington, be in touch to collaborate and request support for your team and / or patients.
Possibilities include:
- Art kits to have on-hand for patients (description of kits described above) that come with project supplies and ideas. These can be especially helpful to relieve hospital boredom, help patients feel cared for, and redirect anxiety.
- Team-building art installations and workshops to destress and develop positive communication in a variety of modes and communication styles. Workshops can be as short as 20 minutes. Art installations can take many different forms depending on the unit goals, space, and team.
- Art decorations for the unit made by volunteers.
- Other collaborations to help people feel better through the arts.
