On November 14th, Jamaica Hospital’s Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care hosted an art exhibit in observation of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.
The pieces were created with the intention of providing hospice patients and their families with visual escapes to serene gardens, countrysides, beaches, and plains.
Over two dozen pieces of art were painted and donated by amateur artists from the Community Learning Center of the Clarkstown School District. The paintings took three to eight weeks to complete by students varying in ages from 18 to 92. All works of art were painted in either oil or acrylic.
“The students come from varying backgrounds in occupation, culture and family settings but all have this bond of commonality in art. What is amazing is that they can use their love of art to help patients in need of comfort at a difficult time, at the end of life,” shared Marion Arbuco, Director of the Community Learning Center of the Clarkstown School District
There has always been a correlation between art and health care. Art can evoke positive emotions beneficial in helping patients during their healing process. It can also serve as a respite for those going through a difficult period toward the end of life.
Hospice care is a specialized kind of care provided to those who are facing the advanced stages of life-limiting illnesses. This specialty focuses on making patients as comfortable as possible while receiving treatment and support from an integrative health care team. At Jamaica Hospital’s Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care, a high priority is placed on making sure that a person’s last days are spent in comfort and dignity. Many amenities are provided to patients on the unit that promote serenity and allow them to feel more at home.
“Providing our patients and families with a sense of serenity during a difficult time is very important to our staff. The art painted by the students from the Community Learning Center of the Clarkstown School District will help us to create a tranquil space. We are thankful to the students for dedicating their time and donating these beautiful paintings.” said Dr. Alan Roth, Chief of Palliative Care Medicine at Jamaica Hospital.
To read more about the art exhibit in the Queens Courier, please click https://qns.com/story/2018/11/15/jamaica-hospital-receives-artwork-renovated-hospice-care-center/