arts for lifewinston-salem

2010 report

The Arts For Life Team in Winston-Salem

Dear Friends,

The first thing you notice about Arts For Life art tables is that they are happy places! Children who come to the clinic or hospital to be treated for very serious illnesses find much more than painful procedures and confined treatment rooms. They find brightly colored paints and papers, guitars and drums, oil pastels, yarn, and almost anything else they could want to help them create all that they can imagine. As they engage their minds and hearts, their bodies relax, they become less afraid and more animated. They laugh, sing, and play. What started out as an unwelcome trip to a stressful place becomes an adventure they look forward to as they and their families cope with the realities of serious illness.

This is Arts For Life. In 2010, more than 700 patients at Brenner Children’s Hospital made new friends, spent happy time with their families, created art and music beyond their wildest imaginings, and let their spirits soar. In the process, they discovered a resilience that they may not have known they possessed, and from the struggles they faced everyday, they created masterpieces of hope and joy!

This is Arts For Life. Thank you for being part of the family!

Shea GodwinExecutive DirectorArts For Life

Staff

Betsey McLawhornProgram Director

Elizabeth MessickCommunity Coordinator

Colin AlluredMusic Fellow

Shea GodwinExecutive Director

Rachel ZinkAssistant Director

Snee HowardBookkeeper

Volunteers

Linda Hinshaw Lauren PorterLaura StathamKitty AmosLisa TimberlakeTiffany ParrisJoanie OliphantCasi WilliamsLeah ShawMary Beth Blackwell Chapman

2010 Interns

Lauren LingMolly BoltonAli KappsTeradee HaganLeigh Anne WhiteAdreanna Massey

Board of Directors

Becky AndersonJohn DicksonKaren Fitzgerald Matthew LeggattJudy MajorDoug MichaelsAl RootAnne Sessions

“King of Cheetahs,” collage painting by Abigail, age 10

Front Cover Artwork: “Rothko,” painting by Katie, age 10

Program Director betsey

and patient breanna

Advisory Council

Carolyn BaileyAmy GarlandAnne SessionsJeff UngetheimSusan WilesMary Craig Tennille

Self-portrait by Jazzy, age 6

2010

“Pears,” painting on wood by Mandi, age 13

Sick & Happy Days

by Latisha, age 17

Five days now, looking out this hospital window,

the dreary, grey days make me tired and lazy

Looking over the looming buildings, and I see those houses

Makes me feel lonely.

I am missing my family and friends.

I wonder if the people that live in those houses are energetic,

Or are they just sitting there bored with nothing to do?

Do they really know boredom?

Do they know how I feel being stuck in the hospital, frustrated

and sick?

When I look at these houses, I miss my own home,

my comfy bed and my room.

In the hospital, I feel sad looking at the bare walls.

In the hospital, my bed is hard and it makes my body feel weak.

But I need to get up from my room! I need energy!

I step from my room and walk down the hall, to the art tables.

I’m thinking about the things that make me happy.

When I do art I know I am loved and I know I am safe.

Now I’m at the art table, looking out the window again,

all those bad thoughts have left my head.

Now I see those houses again, and I wonder.

I wonder about the people in those houses outside my window,

looking up at me.

Do they ever know what it is like to be on the other side

of those windows?

Spotlight: LatishaSeventeen-year-old Latisha is no stranger to the hospital. She has endured numerous lengthy visits in her years battling both Sickle Cell Disease and Crohn’s Disease. Latisha never knows when she might be admitted

for an inpatient stay, but shared recently that she takes comfort in knowing that her days will be brighter because of Arts For Life. “If AFL wasn’t here, I would be so sad! Artwork keeps me happy because I can express my feelings in a positive way and not focus on being sick and in the hospital. I love to learn, and with all the new activities, AFL allows me to be creative and discover new ideas!” says Latisha.

Latisha first began working with AFL at Duke Children’s Health Center at our Durham Chapter, and was delighted to find the same welcoming art tables when she was admitted to Brenner almost three years ago. During that first stay, she spent hours at the art tables – up to eight hours a day! She worked with her art teacher, Betsey, to express her hopes and dreams through lines of poetry and to create colorful paintings and sculptures. The poem, “Sick & Happy Days,” and the print below were inspired by the view outside the windows of the 9th floor Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit.

AFL Taught Thousands of Art Lessons at Brenner Children’s Hospital in 2010

Month Art Lessons: Visual

Art & Music

Patients, Siblings, & Family Members

TaughtJanuary 258 117February 373 99March 443 117April 519 104May 370 56June 482 100July 393 80August 518 114September 348 66October 372 71November 345 80December 377 124

Total: 4,798 1,128

Teen support GroupThe Teen Support Group blossomed in 2010, with it’s highest attendance to date in August when 13 patients and siblings gathered around three big tables to make silk-screened t-shirts with the new name they chose for the group together: SWS, or Survivors We Stand.

The group meets on the second Tuesday evening of each month, with past patients who are off treatment and in college, still returning to connect with old friends and new. They all find a common ground and a safe atmosphere around the art tables, and they grow to trust each other even more with each passing month.

During these important times of bonding with peers, the teens and young adults work on art projects such as sculpture and collage. In 2010, David Faber, master printmaker and professor of art at Wake Forest University, invited the teen group in to his studio for a monoprint workshop. The teens all agreed they enjoyed the process as much as the final product and are excited for a chance to join David in his studio again in 2011!

Many thanks to David Faber for hosting a printmaking workshop in his studio on the campus of WFU.

Jay, at the WFU Printmaking Studio

The horses you see on the pages of this report were lovingly designed, decorated, and embellished by the young artists in our programs. Once completed, the horses will be displayed together on the clinic walls at Brenner in an incredible, colorful, fantastical ‘stampede.’

afl Programming Goals:• Utilize art stations, art teachers, and art lessons to transform and improve healthcare environments;• Provide hospitalized and seriously ill children access to the arts and education;• Help young patients and their families cope with short and long term effects of illness;• Give patients opportunities to interact with peers (other patients and siblings);• Foster patients’ imaginations, critical thinking skills, and creativity;• Help patients to set and achieve goals;• Guide patients in focusing on positive activities during waiting times and during stressful experiences;• Provide positive educational experiences that add a sense of purpose and accomplishment to children’s lives.

Becca, proudly displaying her 3D fish sculpture

“Savannah Sunset,” painting on wood by Taylor, age 13

Zach, at the art table

Arts For Life Taught Art and Music to 1,128 Students in 2010!Of the 1,128 people served:

634 were Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Patients, 426 were Siblings, Family Members, and Friends of Patients, and

68 were General Pediatric Patients.

What people are saying about arts for lifePatricia McCoy, Lab Tech in the Hematology/Oncology Clinic:”Arts For Life is a wonderful program that provides a great outlet for our children. I love to invite kids to visit the table. When I tell new patients about AFL, their eyes just light up with excitement! The patients know they will have control over a part of their visit and can share an expression of themselves. I have always loved art myself, but as I’ve spent more time with the AFL staff, their excitement and knowledge for art has broadened my own perspectives and I appreciate art even more now!”

The patients love Pat and are always creating art for her. The walls of the lab are adorned with patient artwork dedicated to Pat, creating a colorful and welcoming atmosphere.

Martha Byrd, a Hem/Onc Inpatient nurse, says:“I just love everything about Arts For Life. I love that it gives our patients something to look forward to! They always perk up when Arts For Life comes in to a room. I always encourage my patients to either participate with the AFL teachers in their room, or even get a change of scenery and visit the art table to break up their days.

I have seen a lot of patients express themselves positively through art, and it has taught me a lot about their character. I am so thankful for AFL.”

From the blog parent Amber Scavo writes for her daughter Julia:“This morning, she turned and said, “TV off. I need Betsey’s Art Kit.” Ms. Betsey is our Arts For Life teacher on the 9th floor here at Brenner. She is the heart of our clinic. This program brings art and music into the hospital for clinic patients and inpatient kids. It is an amazing thing to see these children in all stages of life and cancer treatment come out of their shells and express themselves through art. It truly is a lifeline. If you ever feel called to do something tangible for local kids with cancer, this is an excellent non-profit to fund. The kids love the art, love Betsey and all the volunteers. It is Arts For Life that makes these kids actually look forward to coming to the hospital for treatment. And they choose art over TV and video games so many times.

It is so true that art brings life. Arts For Life is the heart of the clinic and you make it a place that these kids love and actually want to come to!”

Jeff Ungetheim, Director, The Children’s Cancer Support Program:“AFL is an exceptional program at Brenner Children’s Hospital. The staff and volunteers provide coverage during the week, weekends, and evening hours. An array of art projects are offered that are developmentally appropriate, challenging, and spur on creativity. The AFL staff and volunteers exude a love for children and a love of art that provides a regular place and activity for children and teens to leave the world of sickness and treatment for awhile and become lost in the world of imagination. Even for children who are reluctant to participate, the patient and kind invitations of the AFL teachers usually draw them out eventually. Initial and on-going training by the director and others creates a staff and volunteer group that is attuned to the chronically ill child or teen’s needs. We are so glad they are here for these kids!”

Self-portrait by Rima, age 8

art showmasterpieces from the young artists in

Winston-Salem’s program

“Mystery Man”Collage painting by Khadijah

Age 10

“Log Truck Driver”Drawing by Zach

Age 7

“Finger Stick,” found object collage by Sarahi, age 5

Eight-year-old Erica at the art table

Like many kids at Brenner, four-year-old Kiefer is so excited to be at the AFL art table!

“Different Buttons,” collage painting by Alexa, age 5

“Happy Hands,” painting by Kate, age 6

Self-portrait, digital print by Avery, age 14

Young artist Julia, trying her hand at

printmaking

inpatient VolunteersIn 2010, Arts For Life Winston-Salem expanded the volunteer program to include a total of five inpatient-specific volunteers. These volunteers focus on bringing art lessons to patients’ bedsides during the evening hours on weeknights. Linda Hinshaw, an inpatient volunteer on 9PHO, has made meaningful connections with hundreds of patients and families during the six years she has been part of the AFL team. Parents and children consistently tell us how great it is to have art programming in the evening, especially with wonderful teaching volunteers like Linda.

Linda comes prepared every Tuesday evening with a fun and enticing project that engages patients and encourages their creativity. Her energy and

enthusiasm for the program show when she walks through the door to a patient’s room, and her gentle approach receives a welcoming “yes” to any child she visits.

“One evening I went to the room of a sweet, enthusiastic four-year-old girl whom I had previously taught. Upon entering the room, I realized it had not been a good day and the possibility of an art lesson seemed remote. But after we talked a short while, a little spark seemed to ignite and she said yes. We created an art project, which I changed a bit to accommodate her present energy level, and we enjoyed our time together. After we had finished and I turned to leave, she whispered, “Good-bye... thank you.” Not unusual words, except that Mom added, “She has not said those words to anyone in three days.” To Mom, those words were an encouraging barometer of her child’s health. And for me, that’s the gift that brings me back each week.”

If you spot a young boy quietly working on a drawing with the same careful intention that Leonardo DaVinci might have given his masterpieces, it might just be eleven-year-old Chris. When Chris was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma - a bone cancer that primarily affects adolescents and young adults - in May 2010, he was encouraged to seek an outlet in art as a way to bring distraction to his lengthy outpatient visits and inpatient stays.

Chris loves to draw; colored pencils are his preferred medium, and drawing cars is his specialty. Whether it’s illustrating a stunt car catapulting through a ring of fire, examining wood grain on a sheet of plywood, or sketching a car speeding down a windy path with smoke billowing behind it, Chris always draws from his memory. The details are what bring his artwork to life!

His creative talent is not limited to colored pencils. Chris is always willing to try any new medium introduced to him by his Arts For Life teachers. His imagination serves him well when given nothing but a roll of blue tape and asked to draw a picture with it, leaving his trusty pencil to the side. He likes to dabble in watercolors, and he recently discovered printmaking.

Spotlight on: Chris

“Mr. Red,” collograph print (left); “Racecar,” pencil drawing (above)

Victoria and AFL volunteer Linda

in loving memory

elizabeth

kate

arts for life music programLate 2010 brought a new addition to the Arts For Life music component, welcoming Leah Shaw as the first ever music volunteer for the Winston-Salem chapter. Leah is trained in piano, guitar, and drums, and she shares her beautiful voice with AFL’s patients and families. Since joining the team, Leah has partnered with long-time Music Fellow Colin Allured to hone her guitar and drum skills.

Leah volunteers on Sunday afternoons, a time when there are few activities available to our patients. She also comes in once a month on a Tuesday to work alongside Colin, bringing more dynamic music experiences to the students. Leah’s talent and dedication to the program, along with support from the North Carolina Arts Council and many generous community members, helped AFL bring even more music miracles to kids in 2010.

shelby

Kate, Elizabeth, and Shelby were an inspiration to all of the AFL teachers who had the honor of creating art and sharing laughter with them.

Sept 8, 1998 - Mar 14, 2010

Jan 28, 2005 - Sept 5, 2010

Oct 2, 2002 - Nov 4, 2010

Program Director Betsey tells this story to illustrate the energetic effect our music pogram has on the kids: “One afternoon, young patient Breanna heard that Colin was here and asked me to go tell him that she was here and she wanted to “make music with him.” He came out after finishing in another patient’s room. As soon as he walked through the doors, she screamed, “Colin!” and ran to the music cart. She slung the guitar strap over her shoulder and walked towards the clinic, calling out,

“Who wants to rock out with us?””

Spero and Music Fellow Colin, jamming bedside!

Music volunteer Leah and patient Lilly

This program was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

InternshipsEach year Arts For Life Winston-Salem receives many intern applications, creating what is now a competitive internship program with a waiting list! Even though it is popular, every intern that applies comes forward showing incredible dedication and interest, as well as a genuine desire to be a part of a team that provides dynamic lessons and great care to the patients we work with. Molly Bolton, a recent WFU graduate, came to AFL in early 2010 wanting to go beyond the minimum requirements for a typical volunteer, and felt that the internship program met the level of commitment she wanted to share. She has also been active in fundraising for AFL’s programs.

Molly has provided patients with a number of fun and magical projects, many that they can hang from their IV poles.

Intern Molly with patient Nate

Outpatient VolunteersDuring the summer months, Arts For Life always sees the number of patients and siblings visiting the art table increase. School is out so families come to the clinic together, and without school activities and homework on the to-do list, families allow for more time to visit the art table.

Betsey, the Program Director in Winston-Salem, saw the need for extra help at the art tables and was thrilled with the overwhelming response from community members willing to volunteer their time in the summer!

The expansion was such a tremendous success that two volunteers were invited to join the art table on a weekly basis throughout the year. Lisa Timberlake and Tiffany Parris have provided many wonderful art lessons to patients and their families on busy clinic days.

In addition, Mary Beth Blackwell Chapman, a former member of the Winston-Salem chapter’s Advisory Council, began sharing her time two days a month at the art table, serving the large population of Hematology patients our clinic regularly sees on Wednesdays. Mary Beth brings her own fun, creative projects for the children to work on - from painting gourds to wooden 3D sculptures, the children look forward to Wednesdays with Mary Beth!

Having teachers who are artists themselves is an incredible component of our work - patients learn from their teacher’s experience and lifelong love of the arts!

Volunteer Tiffany and patient Sophie at the art table

fun at the art table!

From top: Olivia, Katie, Makayla, and Ben display their artwork proudly.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 8:15 am – 1:30 pm Art Station Open Program Director

8:15 am – 1:30 pm Art Station Open Program Director

8:15 am – 1:30 pm Art Station Open Volunteer

8:15 am – 1:30 pm Art Station Open Program Director

8:15 am – 1:30 pm Art Station Open Program Director

1 – 4 pm Bedside Lessons Intern

1 – 4 pm Bedside Lessons Volunteer

1 – 4 pm Bedside Lessons Intern

2 – 5 pm Bedside Lessons Intern

1 – 5 pm Bedside Lessons Hem/Onc Intern

1 – 5 pm Bedside Lessons Intern

2 – 5 pm Bedside Lessons Program Director

2 – 5 pm Bedside Lessons Program Director

2 – 5 pm Bedside Lessons Program Director

2 – 5 pm Bedside Lessons Program Director

1 – 5 pm Bedside Lessons General Peds Volunteer

1 – 4 pm Music Lessons Bedside Volunteer

12 – 3 pm Music Lessons Clinic & Bedside Music Fellow

1 – 3 pm Music Lessons Clinic & Bedside Music Fellow

11 am – 2 pm Music Lessons Clinic & Bedside Music Fellow

2 – 5 pm Music Lessons Clinic & Bedside Music Fellow

5 – 8 pm Bedside Lessons Volunteer

5 – 8 pm Bedside Lessons Volunteer

4 – 8 pm Bedside Lessons Volunteer

5 – 8 pm Bedside Lessons Intern

5 – 8 pm Bedside Lessons Intern

Total weekly scheduled programming hours = 91.75

14.25 hrs 17.25 hrs 10.75 hrs 17.25 hrs 17.25 hrs 8.00 hrs 7.00 hrs

the arts for life program schedule at brenner children’s hospital

total weekly scheduled program hours: 91.75

General PediatricsIn the fall of 2010, Arts For Life Winston-Salem launched a trial progam with the General Pediatrics Unit on the 8th and 9th floors of Brenner. Patients range in age from 2 to 18, and it has been such a success that it is becoming a permanent - and welcome - addition to AFL’s weekend programming.

Volunteer Casi Williams was excited to join the team as we explored new territory, and she has proven to be an excellent model for how we will continue.

Every Saturday, Casi prepares her General Pediatric specific cart with fun lessons for all ages. She carries with her a project notebook brimming with colorful examples to entice even the most skeptical of kids! They invite her in to the room and enjoy 30 to 45 minutes of creative expression.

The nurses and patients keep watch for Casi, expecting her to wheel the cart through the doors every Saturday afternoon.

Casi says, “Joining the Arts for Life team this past September and working with the General Pediatrics has made me look forward to the days I come into volunteer! The GP patients immediately light up when they find out I have fun things to do and from what I’ve experienced, Arts for Life has helped bring a little light to their hospital experience! The response I have received from the patients, parents and hospital staff during this General Pediatric trial is going extremely well from my point of view; I can’t wait to see what comes of this area in the future.”

Volunteer Casi and one of her inpatient students

Arts For Life Sends a Heartfelt Thank You to the Neighbors, Businesses, Hospital Staff and Foundations Who Made Our Work Possible in 2010!

to learn more about our work with young patients & families, please visit:

Our Special Thanks to:Frances and Jim Ackerman Mrs. Margaret Armfield Members of Augsburg Lutheran ChurchMr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Babcock Douglas and Carolyn Bailey Christopher and Nermin BallingerMr. and Mrs. Frank M. Bell, Jr. June and Jack Blunk Mr. and Mrs. John W. Burress Calvary Baptist Day School Mary Beth Blackwell Chapman and Chris ChapmanChartwells and Katie RussellRuth and Carl Deaton Susan and Mark DoughtonDavid Faber and Laura Stallings Statham Karen and Mike Fitzgerald Fleshman-Pratt FoundationGina and Sam Fornecker Members of the First Baptist ChurchCharlotte and Phil HanesMr. Weston P. HatfieldForsyth Country Day School Anne Herndon and Joseph Frisina Anna and Jesse JarrellMr. and Mrs. Phillip Kinken

We owe a debt of gratitude to the community members and friends who sustain our programs:Mary Beth Blackwell Chapman and Chris Chapman, who continue to support AFL in a myriad of inspiring ways;

Larry and Lindy Koralik of Molly Hawkins House, for generously providing the paper, paint, and glue that changes kids’ lives;Anne and Steve Sessions, for their unwavering support and holiday party to benefit AFL;

The Maria and Efird Hine Fund at Augsburg Lutheran Church enabled us to provides many art lessons in 2010;Southern Community Bank and Trust for sponsoring the AFL art table at Brenner Children’s Hospital;

Community leaders who hosted events in 2010 to spread the word about Arts For Life:Gina and Sam Fornecker and Friends, “Patchwork” Dance Event; Summit School, “Chalk It Up;”Friends who directly help to support the art programming we bring to Brenner’s young patients:

Bob and Polly Voegele, David Faber, Laura Stallings Statham, Diana Greene;We thank Gale Foster and the Xi Delta Gamma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi; Anna Marie Carr and WFU’s Chi Omega; Ken Crews and the Twin City Kiwanis Club and Leadership Winston-Salem for their generous support of our mission;

For their kind, thoughtful representations of our program in the public eye:WFDD’s David Ford and Triad Arts Up Close, the Winston-Salem Journal, Forsyth Woman Magazine, and Triad Today;

and a special thanks to all of the wonderful Winston-Salem-area restaurants who participated in Healing Meals.

Our deepest appreciation goes to our friends at Brenner Children’s Hospital and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. With the hospital’s support, AFL brings peace, light, and laughter to our young patients’ darkest days. We especially thank the incredible staff at Brenner and WFUBMC for their compassion, support, and belief in the healing power of the art and music.

How You Can Help:

Host a Coffee Talk or a House Party to share AFL’s work with the communityVolunteer at Brenner, teaching art to young patientsMake a donation to sustain our vital support servicesContact us today to find out about opportunities to get involved with Arts For Life!

Forsyth Country Day SchoolKevin and Amy McMullen

Mrs. Myrt McNeelyMediaFit

Muddy River Art AssociationJerome and Grace Murray Foundation

New Hope Presbyterian ChurchRandy Norris

North Carolina Arts CouncilMrs. Sam Ogburn

Ruth and Clifton PleasantsSessions Specialty Co.

Anne and Steve SessionsNancy and Rickie Smith

Southern Com munity Bank and TrustThe Stevens Family

St. Pauls Episcopal ChurchMary Craig Tennille

Lisa and Ed Timberlake, Jr.Don Timmons

Judy and Bill WatsonWinston-Salem/Forsyth County Art Teachers

and Lynn FoltzDr. Marcia Wofford

Sandy and Gary WolfeMr. and Mrs. William F. Womble

and countless more...

CONTACT US:elizabeth@aflnc.org

336-480-7906