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ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
MEDICINE MEDICINE
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“Cat Food” by Jeff Nitzberg, Gouache on “Esperanza’s Song to the Dog Face Butterfly” by Norma “Fredaís Rainbow” by Lucy Peveto, Acrylic
board. Jean More, 2021. and resin on wood.
more. The idea behind creative arts therapy is that artistic expression can
help people to feel better and motivated to recover and address clinical
needs such as reducing anxiety and blood pressure.”
Experts continue to research the benefits of art in healing. National
Endowment for the Arts Research Director Sunil Iyengar has led efforts
during the last decade to explore the importance, value and multiple ben-
efits of exposure to all arts on mental health, economic development, edu-
“Mother Birds” by Priscila De Carvalho, 2022, features a glass curtain wall cation, scientific research and overall well being in communities all over
surrounding the lobby of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital with interior the world.
and exterior views.
Healing Art at University Health
Through our SaludArte: Art of Healing program, we have incorporat-
The Art of Medicine ed evidenced-based and trauma-informed care design standards to create a
hopeful, compassionate, colorful and uplifting environment.
Art creates a more soothing and healing environment every day —
By Allison Hays Lane from the child who is less afraid as they gaze at the colorful image of an
animal friend on their hospital room wall to the laboring mother who
There was a time when drabness was the dominant aesthetic theme in experiences less pain as she focuses on soothing music. We hear from our Water-based print on Hahnemuhl paper by Sofia Campilho.
medical spaces, but hospitals and clinics have begun turning to a design staff who are better able to care for patients when they have an opportuni-
principal that incorporates the use of natural light, exposure to nature and ty to stop and recharge in a quiet space, or engage in journaling to express
uplifting colors. their emotions. All forms of art are important in a healing environment
University Health embraced this philosophy of beauty as a healing ele- and we regularly see the effects in our staff and the patients we serve.
ment. We launched an early and groundbreaking art program, and with “Art is important in creating spaces
our growth and expansion have incorporated art into the built environ- that reduce anxiety and promote
ment and woven it into our wellness resources for both patients and staff. healing,” said Leni Kirkman,
executive vice president and
Benefits of Art in a Healing Environment chief marketing, commu-
Studies show that art can promote patient relaxation by reducing nications & corporate
stress, anxiety and pain levels. One study published in the American Jour- affairs officer for Univer-
nal Public Health focused on the positive outcomes of four primary areas sity Health.
of art, including music, visual arts, move-based creative expression and
expressive writing. The study noted, “In all four areas of creative artistic
expression reviewed here, there are clear indications that artistic engage-
ment has significantly positive effects on health.” “Healing Plants” by Leticia Huerta, Stainless steel, cast stone, sandblasted “Golden Memories” by
The Mayo Clinic Press said, “Creative arts therapy is used in treatment and stained lime stones, stained concrete, plant material, located on the DABSMYLA of Sydney, Australia, “Dancing Elephants II” by Laurent De Brunhoff, 2008, Three-color
for a variety of conditions spanning mental health, cancer, stroke and walkway along East/West Drive. 2021, 5-color screen print. lithograph on paper.

26 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • July 2024 Visit us at www.bcms.org 27