January 17, 2003

From flutes to fiddles, from poetry to paintings, a wide range of artistic talent was on display in the WACC Lobby Jan. 15 as the room was transformed into a performance hall and art exhibit for the first celebration of the "Healing Arts Festival: Bridging Our Communities Through Art and Medicine."

The celebration marked the third anniversary of MassGeneral Hospital for Children and featured live musical entertainment, poetry readings and displays of artwork by caregivers and patients. A silent auction featuring nearly 200 pieces of art donated by employees, patients, family members and friends brought in more than $2,600 for children's art programs at the hospital, such as the Artist-in-Residence program.

The event was the collective idea of the Healing Arts Group, comprised of physicians, nurses, administrators and house staff, along with patients and family members. The mission of the group is to use creative expression to enhance the healing process for young patients.

"Without question, MassGeneral Hospital for Children has a warm and caring soul, and it was on display here this evening," said Alan Ezekowitz, MBChB, DPhil, chief of Pediatrics for MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

For more information about the Healing Arts Group, send e-mail to Somava Saha Stout, MD, at sstout@partners.org.