Art exhibit unveiled at Children’s Hospital

Located outside the McDonald’s in the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, the Healing Art of Children exhibit opened on Aug. 27, revealing 20 artworks from patients of the Children’s Hospital.

“The purpose of the exhibit is to display children’s art that has been created as part of their holistic healing process,” said Jessica Tang, engagement coordinator in the Office of Volunteer Services and Engagement. “It also serves to brighten the lives of anyone who takes the time to stop by and see it.”

Each week, volunteers with the AU Health Art Play Studio spend time with CHOG patients at the Ronald McDonald House with a cart of art activities and materials. Once their artistic pieces are complete, the children are given the opportunity to donate their work to the art exhibit to share with their fellow patients.

“Art Play Studio is a volunteer-driven art therapy program focused on ensuring a more positive and well-rounded experience for our patients, families and guests.” Tang said. “They engage patients in bedside, clinic and group art activities aimed at providing a holistic healing experience for the body and soul.”

The art exhibit was created when hospital volunteers noticed there was no place within the hospital that focused on the artwork of the youngest patients of the hospital. They wanted to provide a platform where the children could play a part in brightening the days of fellow patients.

“This is a visual exhibit that we hope our patients, guests and the public will take time to stop by and visit,” Tang said. “It is a happy place designed to make you smile, no matter what else may be going on around you.”

Art program volunteers will continue to collect donated arts pieces in order to keep the exhibit fresh and current. The exhibit is expected to rotate artwork every six to eight weeks. They also hope to expand similar exhibits to other areas of the hospital to reach a greater number of patients and guests.

The AU Health Art Play Studio is currently recruiting for creative, artistic people with a passion for working with children. Interested volunteers can find more information by visiting Volunteer Services.