Art from the Heart

Until further notice, Art from the Heart visits from volunteers are on hold. In the meantime, please visit the AFTH blog for ideas on how the arts can help us feel better with posts that offer research-backed, creative responses to connect community, wellness, humor, and culture.

ART KIT GIFTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY TO PATIENTS AND STAFF AT THE MEDICAL CENTER 

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 Watercolors, Write to Heal, Coloring for Adults, Coloring for Kids, Oil Pastels, Drawing and Mandalas, Pattern Doodling, Card Making, or Mini Journals.

Art from the Heart is FREE for anyone at UVM Medical Center and Children’s Hospital including caregivers, family members, staff, patients, and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Who We Are 

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.

Dedicated volunteers make Art from the Heart possible, along with financial support from the Children’s Miracle Network, the City of Burlington and generous individual donors, a dedicated staff person 20 hours each week, and administrative support from UVMMC and BCA.

Who Benefits
We support 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 7000 people participated last year.

History
Art from the Heart was founded by Abby Rose and was modeled after the Harlem Horizon Art Studio at the Harlem Hospital Center in NY. Since 1994 Art from the Heart has worked collaboratively with the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital to support patients. In 2015 the program expanded through a generous gift to serve adult patients and caregivers. 

Volunteer!
Art from the Heart is always looking for volunteers who have compassion and creativity. Artistic interest is important, but not necessary. At this point we are working remotely, and not able to visit the hospital for inpatient visits. If you'd like to volunteer, please fill out a volunteer application on our site, https://www.burlingtoncityarts.org/volunteer-bca

Make a Donation! Support Art from the Heart with a gift. Gifts can be made online or mailed to BCA at 135 Church St. Burlington, VT 05401, or call 802-865-5816. Gifts of stock are also appreciated. 
 
More Information
Arts in Health: Research, Practice, and Experience a session of The Integrative Community Practitioner Forum Hosted by the University of Vermont College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Click here to view a PDF of the slides and notes, and a link to a video of the session. 

Contact
Rebecca Schwarz, Art from the Heart Coordinator, rschwarz@burlingtoncityarts.org or 802-865-9163

_{Photo credit: Martha Loving Orgain}