Ben Taub Hospital gets Art Donation
Photographs are powerful. They allow us to shift our mental focus and are a tool for meditation. In viewing a photograph, we co-create the image with the artist, transporting our mind to see the world in new ways. Photos move us out of the ordinary.
Researchers are learning more about the precise ways works of art help patients and families in the healing process. One 1993 study found that patients exposed to a nature image experienced less postoperative anxiety and were more likely to switch to weaker painkillers than those who viewed an abstract image or no image. A 2011 study found that nature images helped calm restless behavior and noise levels in two Texas emergency department waiting rooms.
With studies showing a direct link between the content of images and the brain’s reaction to pain, stress, and anxiety, artwork should be given a high priority. However, that is not always the case. Many hospitals are in a budget crunch. Funds for art must be provided by philanthropy and donations. Recently, The Foundation for Photo Art in Hospitals, a charitable not-for-profit based in St. Louis, Missouri, donated 20 nature photos to Ben Taub Hospital for a recently remodeled tower unit. Several of the photos are below.
Elaine Poggi, the founder of this not-for profit, is an American citizen and has resided in Florence, Italy, for many years. In 2001, her mother was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was admitted for a long hospital stay. Elaine went to be with her mother and both experienced endless hours of loneliness, staring at sterile, white hospital walls. Elaine decided to alleviate the cold and unfriendly hospital environment by decorating her room with her enlarged photographs of underwater scenes and landscapes of Florence. Immediately, the room had a more comforting atmosphere. The photos had the effect of boosting her mother’s morale and also quickly became a topic of conversation for the hospital staff, other patients, and visitors.
Because of this personal experience, Elaine’s mission is to place colorful, soothing photographs of nature and beautiful places from around the world in hospitals. Her wish is to give hope and comfort to patients and their families, visitors, and caregivers to help soften the often stressful hospital experience. Elaine would like those who view her photos will feel the joy and love she felt while photographing the scenes for them.
Requests for her photos are increasing. There are so many hospitals with white walls that her mission is endless. Elaine is encouraged to continue her work due to the enthusiastic, positive feedback from patients and hospital staff.
The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals, Inc., was incorporated as a non-profit organization in November 2002 to allow the photo project to expand. At present, more than 5000 photos have been placed in over 300 healthcare facilities on 7 continents. Elaine received the 2010-11 Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award for Zone 31 from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for her work with Healing Photo Art.
The aim of healing photography is to transport your mind away from the disease by losing yourself in nature, beauty, color and creativity. The HCHD Foundation and Ben Taub Hospital are incredibly appreciative to be selected as a recipient of these 20 beautiful framed photographs from The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals, Inc.
