"Healing with Art" Exhibit Opening at Sacred Heart SEPT 26

“Healing With Art” opens Sept. 26 in the second floor atrium at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. More than 30 original works of art from local artists will be on display as part of the hospital’s Arts in Medicine program and the Cultural Arts Alliance’s (CAA) A+ Art commitment to expand awareness of the vast artistic talent found in Walton County.
 
“The energy created through artistic expression has the power to heal,” said Melissa Mercer Brown, local artist and A+ Art Committee chairperson. “What better place than our community hospital to showcase art that has the potential to make you feel good inside.  We hope everyone will come out and support both the hospital’s program and CAA while they experience a moment of healing during this three-month show and sale.”
 
A+ Art is the visual arts arm of the CAA, working to encourage artists by featuring their work at Northwest Florida State College’s South Walton Center.  Ongoing shows in the college’s admission center continue.  Sacred Heart Hospital warmly welcomed the group to expand their reach by partnering with its Arts in Medicine program. 
 
“Arts in Medicine is an emerging field within healthcare that addresses what many have long known and medical research is now proving – that music, writing, dance, storytelling and other art activities can play an important role in healing not just the body, but the mind and spirit of an individual,” said Sharon Abele, Volunteer Services and Arts in Medicine Manager at Sacred Heart.
 
The overall goal of Arts in Medicine is to integrate performing, meditative and visual arts into a wide variety of settings to promote community wellness. 
 
“We are so happy to be partnering with the hospital on this project as we continue to grow and serve the community,” said Brown.
 
“Healing with Art” welcomes the public, patients, visitors and all who appreciate art to the second floor atrium during the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The art will be on display for three months. Those interested in purchasing artwork may do so directly with the artists, who will then make a contribution to CAA and Arts in Medicine in support of these worthwhile community organizations. 

"Healing with Art" opening reception will be held on Friday, Sept 26, 2014, 5-7 pm in the lobby atrium at Sacred Heart Hospital. Everyone's invited to celebrate Arts in Medicine and this exhibit showcasing local artists.

 
For more information about Healing with Art, please call the Cultural Arts Alliance at 850-622-5970. For more information about the Arts in Medicine Program at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, please visit www.sacredheartemerald.org.