We think you’ll appreciate the lovely show that is hanging this month in the Annex of the Harrison Center. The CompleteLife Annual Art Show, sponsored by Roche Diagnostics, showcases the art of IU Health patients, caregivers and staff. This year’s theme is “Hope and Healing”, and the work of these artists is certainly inspiring.

The purpose of this show is to bring attention to this valuable and innovative program and to spark interest in learning about the ways that it improves a patient’s treatment journey. The CompleteLife Program provides several forms of complimentary therapies to patients at IU Health Simon Cancer Center and University Hospital, one of which is Art Therapy. As is told in a statement provided by CompleteLife Art Therapist, Heidi Moffatt, “Art Therapy is facilitated by a professional art therapist and effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns.”

Though the artwork in this show wasn’t necessarily created within the context of an Art Therapy session, as Heidi shared with me, ”Each individual art piece tells the story of the personal journey of the artist, and this show demonstrates the power of the arts for human connection.”

As a viewer of the work in this show, I was moved by the passion and raw emotion that the work expresses. For example, Rev. Donald Stileleather’s vibrant, abstract mixed media piece called, “Brave New World” is an exciting show of color and texture. It makes me feel “all shook up” inside, exactly as it is meant to. The artist calls it his, ”expression of the chaos of healing and the healthcare life of our patients.”

Brave New World | by Rev. Donald Stikeleather

Patient Brian J. Bullerdick’s creation called, ”Carolyn” is an oil painting depicting a nurse who was very important to him in the ICU. The gentle simplicity of the portrait of her masked face and the warmth that he captured in her eyes expresses the heroic nature of the impact she had on him.

I love the works of Mary McQueen who obviously combined her love for gardening with her artwork. It’s not surprising, since both art and gardening have similar healing properties for many of us! Her acrylic painting called, ” The Best of July” is a still life of flowers and vegetables that she grew in her garden. In addition she created a brightly colored gourd doll from gourds that she had grown and dried herself. The double layer of creativity in these pieces is heartwarming to me.

The power of Art Therapy in relationship with the progress and experience of the patients who take part in it shouldn’t be understated, as it provides opportunities for improved physical, cognitive and mental health. The gift of making art gets to be enjoyed not only by the creators, but also by those of us who are lucky enough to view it.

View the Show

CompleteLife Art Show