“It’s in giving that we receive.” -St. Francis
I had the pleasure to work with two great children last week through the organization, Art of Elysium. Elysium (E.ly’.si.um) is a Greek word meaning a place or condition of ideal happiness. Through “Distractive Therapy,” the organization allows artists and entertainers of all genres and mediums to create an environment that allows the children to escape from the pain and anxiety of being in a hospital and undergoing illness. The power of art has a great healing effect. I first learned about the organization from the FOX 11 News. I saw a clip on a commercial and stayed up all night waiting for the feature. The mission of The Art of Elysium immediately struck cord with me because I used to study Art Therapy and have plans to start my own non-profit organization.
I am very honored and humbled to share my artistic gifts with the children I met. The first workshop I did was with a very fun little girl. We had a great time sculpting faces, balls, and just about everything in Shocking Pink clay. She was filled with so much joy and laughter, I was surprised to hear from the doctor that she is normally not so upbeat. Her smiling face and laughter was a great way to end the first workshop of the day. Following that I worked with the sweetest budding artist. His hospital room was filled with his artwork and trophies. It was a joy teaching art to him. He was very observant and asked lots of questions about my art techniques. We worked on a self portrait, done in acrylic paints. He was very excited to know that he was using the same type of art supplies and techniques I use to make my art. While we painted together, doctors and nurses came in the room to check his stats and medicines several times. Each time he paid them no mind whatsoever. I was blown away when the doctors and nurses thanked me for my volunteering because it was helping him keep his mind off of his pain. To see the excitement in his face and voice when he was told that he could keep the paints and would be getting more artists visits, was priceless. I’m looking forward to doing more workshops and working with the children.
For more information about volunteering or donating to the Art of Elysium, visit the website:
http://www.theartofelysium.org/
The Art of Elysium, a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization founded in 1997, encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions. We provide artistic workshops in the following disciplines: acting, art, comedy, fashion, music, radio, songwriting and writing.
Please contact the organization at: info@theartofelysium.org
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