At Mercy, we believe that excellent health care requires not only attending to needs of the body, but of the mind and spirit as well. Our Therapeutic Art Program acts as a healing modality that enhances our whole-person care.

Last year, a generous grant from The Zoë Foundation gave Mercy’s oncology patients the chance to engage in art-making activities during their hospital stays and outpatient infusion sessions. Funds from the foundation supported the artists’ time and the costs of art supplies.

With the help of our two artists-in-residence, patients’ artwork spanned a variety of media types, including bookmarks, decorative boxes, jewelry, paintings and relief rubbings, collages, 3D sculptures, holiday ornaments, and pop-up cards. Our artists always offer patients a sense of calm and connection during each session. As artist Andrea Cooper explained, “Therapeutic art helps enhance the care aspect of health care by lifting spirits and adding an unexpected moment of joy.”

Dr. Armando Sardi, Medical Director for Mercy’s Institute for Cancer Care, said that, “Incorporating visual art into the cancer treatment process can boost a patient’s mood and help them overcome the challenge they face. Often our patients express that they feel relaxed and empowered as they make creative choices about the art projects—which sometimes is one of the few things in their control during treatment. We are so thankful to the generous donors who make the Therapeutic Art program possible for the people in our care.”