French Hospital Medical Center’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center has partnered with the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art to offer a new Art Therapy Program for community members affected by cancer.
The Hearst Cancer Resource Center’s new Art Therapy Program is open to all local cancer patients, survivors or caregivers and is held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo. Program participants will learn how to express themselves through a variety of creative projects including oil pastels, drawing, collage cutouts, sculpting and art interpretation.
“Art Therapy is often used to help people express feelings associated with physical illnesses through creative activities,” explains Beverly Kirkhart, Hearst Cancer Resource Center director. “Cancer patients and survivors may face difficult emotions and psychosocial issues resulting from a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Art provides a healing, therapeutic method for patients to express the emotions and feelings brought on by their cancer journey.”
The Art Therapy Program is facilitated by Anne Gill Kellogg, Registered Art Therapist, local artist and teacher. Anne has more than 21 years of experience as an art therapist and earned a masters degree in Marriage, Family and Clinical Art Therapy.
The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art plans to host a public exhibit in October 2013 of select art pieces created by program participants. The exhibit provides an educational opportunity for the local community to learn more about cancer treatment, survivorship and how art therapy can be integrated with mainstream medical practices to treat the ‘whole patient.’
The Hearst Cancer Resource Center Art Therapy Program was recently made possible through a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous. Additional community donations are encouraged to continue and expand this special program for cancer patients and their loved ones.
The Hearst Cancer Resource Center emphasizes a holistic approach to patients’ wellbeing during their cancer care with all services provided free of charge. Current services include support programs, a nurse navigator, nutritional coaching, holistic and alternative practices, spiritual and therapeutic social activities and much more. For more information about the new Art Therapy Program, please contact French Hospital’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center at (805) 542-6234. To donate to French Hospital, please contact the Foundation at (805) 542-6496 or visit www.supportfrenchhospital.org.