Program offers a collection of artistic opportunities

Like Kurzrock, many patients don’t initially think of themselves as artistic. “But once they embrace the experience, their artwork becomes precious to them,” Wheler says, recalling a patient who carried his artwork with him in his briefcase.

The program is supported by donations from people, corporations and foundations. The contributions pay for art supplies and stipends for some of the artists, while others offer their time pro bono.

“Just as physicians are compensated for their expertise, it’s important that we recognize the meaningful work of these talented artists,” Wheler says.

And it does take exceptional skill and time to guide people through self-expression. Sessions can be brief — as is the case when an artist goes to a waiting room to help outpatients pass the time until their next appointment — or can last for hours when artists visit inpatients who are nearing the end of life.

Capturing a patient’s essence

Marcia Brennan, Ph.D., is an associate professor of art history and religious studies at Rice University in Houston. She’s also an artist-in-residence for COLLAGE. Brennan applies her skills as a creative writer when she visits critically ill inpatients.

She and visual artist Lynn Randolph translate patients’ reflections on their lives into words and images. The finished product often is placed in a book that’s given to the patient or family and treated as a keepsake.

“There are many ways people at the end of life perceive the sacred within the familiar and ordinary — from the flowers in their gardens to visits with grandchildren to their own experiences with angels and divine presences,” Brennan says. “These interactions have changed my perspective profoundly, both as a scholar and as a person.”

Eduardo Bruera, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, says these interactions help patients cope with the stress of their situation. But, he adds, they are beneficial for his staff, too.

“Care providers are relieved when the artists can come capture a patient’s story and help that person leave a legacy,” he says.

The program also assists health care providers by coordinating guided tours of local museums. “As a result, my staff accepts art as a valuable tool for diffusing stress in their own lives,” Bruera says.

A different kind of personalized care

Wheler notes the program shouldn’t be considered art therapy.

“We don’t have a specific outcome in mind,” Wheler explains. “Our focus is on the quality of the interaction between the artist and the patient. We introduce the patient to the power of self-expression, regardless of the output.”

Wheler sees this aligning with the institution’s goal to provide personalized cancer care. And she says she’s grateful for the support of Kurzrock and Bruera, who recognize the connection. Both are on the program’s board of directors.

Kurzrock no longer has doubts. “The feedback from patients and staff has been terrific,” she says. “Patients get this unique attention and empowerment, and we all see the positive changes in the patients’ attitudes.”

To date, more than 3,500 people have participated in the program.