The Healing Power of Art: Birmingham area cancer survivors, patients, families and hospital staff can paint three large murals that will hang in one of UAB's medical facilities.In partnership with the Foundation for Hospital Art, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center will be hosting PaintFest America on Thursday, July 14, from 10 a.m.-noon at UAB North Pavilion, 2nd floor Atrium, 1802 Sixth Ave. South.
The 50-day nationwide tour, which kicked off in Washington, D.C., on July 5 and ends in New York City on Aug. 23, will be making a stop in Birmingham to reach families, patients and staff of cancer facilities in each state through artwork.
“Therapeutic art is an excellent way for patients, survivors and families to cope with the trauma of cancer diagnosis,” said Teri Hoenemeyer, director of Education and Support Services at the UAB Cancer Center. Birmingham-area cancer survivors, patients, families and hospital staff are encouraged to participate by painting 18 colorful panels for three large murals that will ultimately hang in the hospital, providing artwork that gives comfort and love.
No artistic talent is necessary to participate. The murals will feature different designs and offer a paint-by-numbers type of approach. Anyone can participate, but cancer patients and survivors are especially encouraged to assist with painting murals on the tour.
Additionally, a cancer patient and a cancer survivor will partner to paint a unique state-specific panel, which will include both the state bird and state flower. That piece will be added to the 50-state mural “Stars of Hope” to be assembled in New York on the final day of the tour. The individual state panels will be returned to each participating hospital after the unveiling event Aug. 23.
This event is open to the public. For detailed information, contact Jessie Blaeser at Jessie@hospitalart.org or at 770-712-8060.