Pretty cool article I came across. This was found on a NJ newspaper site, NJTODAY, but it talks about ArtWorks. The ArtWorks program, which is a creative and performing art program for children diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness that is designed to encourage expression and through arts.
What an amazing program! In my opinion, medical facilities should develop more therapeutic programs like this. Self expression has been something that has helped me release stress and anxiety immensely. A program like this would be beneficial to people of all ages.


Children Battling Chronic and Terminal Illnesses Are Recognized As Artists Instead Of Patients

MONTCLAIR – On Nov. 13, ArtWorks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation, will present its 9th annual Express Yourself-New Jersey event at the Montclair Art Museum sponsored by The Morty and Gloria Wolosoff Foundation and The Connors Group. Express Yourself is a creative and performing art exhibition that provides children and young adults suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and their siblings, with the open and loving forum to express themselves through the arts. In a safe environment, filled with families, friends, healthcare specialists and ArtWorks supporters, these children sing, dance, recite poetry, play instruments and stand proudly by their works of art.

Participants spend months preparing for the Express Yourself event which provides them with a much needed creative outlet and gives them something to look forward to and work towards, taking the focus away from the pain and sorrow of the illness. At Express Yourself-NJ 2011, over 116 artists and performers, ages 1-21, from 11 participating New Jersey healthcare agencies will display their creative masterpieces.

This year’s artwork will include 126 amazing paintings, drawings, and sculptures including a drawing by 13-year-old Lacey called “The Premonition” which she drew the night before she suffered an A.V.M on the left side of her brain. The face in her drawing has two distinct sides.

The show will also highlight over 20 performances featuring singing, dancing, readings, and instrumental compositions. This year, ArtWorks is pleased to welcome a new group performance by The Matheny Muses from Matheny Medical and Educational Center. In addition to artwork and performances by the inspiring participants, Express Yourself-NJ 2011 will also include art activities and refreshments for all attendees as well as gift bags and certificates of participation for all children and young adults who take part in the event.

Participating agencies in Express Yourself-NJ 2011 include:
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Morristown Memorial Hospital
Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center
Matheny Medical and Educational Center
Meaningful Movements
PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Saint Peter’s University Hospital
Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital
The University Hospital
The Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

To learn more about ArtWorks, visit http://www.artworksfoundation.org.


Read more: http://njtoday.net/2011/11/13/children-battling-chronic-and-terminal-illnesses-are-recognized-as-artists-instead-of-patients/#ixzz1djl4wXNG
WWW.NJTODAY.NET