by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Imagine that every minute of your life is spent in a room you’d really rather not be occupying. Imagine that every minute of your life is not your own but rather under the control of someone else. Imagine that you’re not sure if you’ll ever get out of that room for the rest of your life.
That’s the reality faced every day by many of the patients at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Clinic.
Since its founding in 2001, Art with a Heart in Healthcare has touched the lives of more than 15,000 young patients in Jacksonville and their families by offering a hands-on experience with art in the hospital setting. Originally centered around painting, the program has introduced a way for the children to explore the art of digital photography.
The photography project is funded by a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida through the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. Thirty-two photographs created by 11 of the patient-artists are on exhibit through Oct. 18 in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Education Gallery at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) on Laura Street at Hemming Plaza.
“We have collaborated with MOCA for two years and it has been a very successful partnership,” said Art with a Heart in Healthcare Executive Director Jeanette Toohey.
All of the photographs were taken in or around the two hospitals. Toohey said it’s a way for the patients to express themselves about their lives, their health issues and their care.
“Some of the photographs tell about the hospital experience. Some of the photographs tell about themselves. There is a whole population of people – patients and their families – living in hospitals. This gives them a creative outlet. It’s also a free choice experience which differs from so many things that happen in the hospital that are controlled by doctors and illness,” Toohey added.
The photography project is led by local fine art photographer Linda Broadfoot. She works with the novice photographers and educates them regarding lighting and composition. Then they are turned loose with simple to operate digital cameras to record their visions.
“Linda was drawn to the project immediately because she’s also a surgical nurse at Baptist Medical Center,” said Toohey.
Debbie Broder, MOCA director, said, “Art is known to be a healing tool and this exhibit is perfect for a contemporary art museum. MOCA is honored to be affiliated with this project.”
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