KIDS & ART FOUNDATION 2022 GIFT OF ARTKITS GIVING PROGRAM
/Learn just how amazing our Amaeyzing ArtKits™ are in an interview with Lisa Barron, pediatric office supervisor at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital
Palm Beach Children’s Hospital is one of Kids & Art Foundation’s 19 children’s hospital partners for 2022 and has been receiving monthly Amaeyzing ArtKits free of charge since April. Lisa Barron, pediatric office supervisor at the hospital, agreed to answer some questions about the Amaeyzing ArtKits program, its impact on patients, and the importance of arts and creativity in the healing process.
Q: How have the Amaeyzing ArtKits helped you?
A: The most wonderful part about the Amaeyzing ArtKits for us is the ready to go, everything included compact sized aspect of the kits. There have been many weeks since the start of the pandemic where I have been solo in the Child Life Department. To be able to grab an art kit from a variety of choices and get it quickly into the waiting creative hands of a patient makes my job easier and makes me an Art Ninja. Less time putting together art supplies, more time to visit with patients.
Q: How has creating art with an Amaeyzing ArtKit helped the patients at your hospital?
A: One of the fun parts about the unassuming brown paper kits are the surprises that are held within. When I introduce them to a patient their interest is piqued just looking at the small photo on the front and opening the package to find the tools for their creativity. These projects take thought and time. There is clearly a sense of accomplishment when the project is completed; witnessed by the phone calls to come and see! I love that kids can tap into their artistic side.
Q: How are Amaeyzing ArtKits different from other activities that you give to your patients?
A: There is a difference between a craft kit and an Amaeyzing ArtKit. Craft kits provide directions and supplies where the end goal is going to look very much the same for everyone who participates. The fun is in creating what the project is supposed to look like. The Amaeyzing ArtKit provides more opportunity for creativity – there are directions, but each participant has the leeway to provide their own flair. Both types of kits offer new opportunities for learning.
Q: Why is it important to include arts and creativity in hospitals?
A: Hospitalized children have so few choices for themselves. Their medical care, medications, where they sleep, time in bed, etc., are all out of their control. Providing art activities and the chance to create something all their own is empowering.
Each year Kids & Art Foundation provides monthly deliveries of Amaeyzing ArtKits to a select number of Care Centers nationwide, free of charge, through our Gift of ArtKits giving program. This allows Care Center facilities to receive up to 40 ArtKits per month for pediatric patients in treatment for cancer and other critical medical conditions. In addition, up to 20 specially assembled Amaeyzing ArtKits can be provided for BMT patients.
The Kids & Art Foundation Gift of ArtKits program is full for 2022. Please check back in September for the Kids & Art Gift of ArtKits 2023 application.
