Arts For Life Charlotte2011 CHAPTER REPORT

2011 was a big year for Arts For Life! Ten years ago in 2001, Arts For Life began with one patient, one camera, and an unshakable belief in the healing power of art. Since that humble beginning, we have grown into a multi-chapter organization serving more than 5,000 young patients and family members each year at four hospitals throughout North Carolina.

Today, we celebrate Arts For Life’s mission of providing educational art programs that enrich patients’ lives, nurture their minds and spirits, and encourage positive healthcare experiences for children and their families. We honor the young patients with whom we have been privileged to work, and draw inspiration every day from their examples of creativity, imagination, and courage. And we thank you for your steadfast support and friendship to our community’s patients and families during the most challenging times of their lives.

Thank you for sharing this journey with Arts For Life. Here’s to the next 10 years! Shea GodwinExecutive Director

Arts For LifeArts For Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people facing serious illnesses. By providing educational art programs, we enrich patients’ lives, nurture their minds and spirits, and encourage positive healthcare experiences for children and their families. Arts For Life serves children in four cities across North Carolina: Charlotte, Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Durham.

2011 Chapter report Spring 2012

AFL CharlotteBy the numbers:In 2011, Arts For Life brought 1,511 hours of art, music, and creative writing to Charlotte’s children and families in need.

Our dedicated and creative team of staff, volunteers, and interns taught 2,124 individual lessons to 1,003 young patients, siblings, and family members.

Top to bottom: “Kangaroo Jack” by Divyne; patient Chris; patient Heather with Program Director Sarah

AFL Charlotte’s volunteers & internsEvery year, we recognize the generous volunteers and interns who help us run our programs at Presbyterian Hospital. In 2011, volunteers Jacki, Elyse, Gemini, Lisa, Holt, Carin, Kimberly, Amy, and Vanessa, along with interns Megan, Sarah, Heather, and Angela, provided over 340 hours of art lessons to children at Blume Clinic and Hemby Children’s Hospital!

At Arts For Life, we strive to support our volunteers and interns as they undertake this important responsibility and honor - bringing creativity, discovery, and joy to young patients on their darkest days. Volunteers and interns participate in regular continuing education sessions throughout the year, where they learn a new artistic skill, talk through difficult emotional issues with a social worker, or simply chat and get to know their fellow Arts For Lifers. Volunteers

and interns are also invited to help out with the many special events hosted by Presbyterian and supported by AFL - holiday parties, remembrance events, and support groups. Volunteers and interns are so very important to our program, and to the kids and families they teach every day.

Arts For Life is seeking to EXPAND its volunteer program! If you (or someone you know) have a creative spirit and a few hours a week to dedicate to some very special children, please visit the volunteer section of our website: www.aflnc.org/volunteer

The Arts For Life Team in Charlotte

INTERNS Megan Howard

Sarah Ness Heather Bouknight Angela Lozowski

TEACHINGVOLUNTEERS

Jacki Summey Elyse Frederick Gemini Patel

Lisa Underwood Holt McLean Carin DeRosa

Kimberly Healy Amy Permenter Vanessa Page

Junior League of Charlotte

STAFFShea Godwin

Executive Director

Sarah AlexanderProgram Director

Lucy SnowCommunity Coordinator

Rachel Zink Assistant Director

Snee HowardBookkeeper

Dawna Wade Administrative Assistant

MUSIC FELLOWS Grey Brewster

Kevin Gill

BOARD OF DIRECTORSDoug Michaels, Chair

John Dickson, TreasurerAnne Sessions, Secretary

Becky AndersonKaren FitzgeraldDeborah Goeken Melandee Jones

Wes Sugg

spotlight on: (CarlosFourteen-year-old Carlos comes in to the Blume Pediatric Clinic in Charlotte every two weeks for a CBC, or complete blood count, a test that helps his doctors manage his Adrenoleukodystrophy. Each time, he can’t imagine that there is an art project that he has not already made.

Luckily, he is always surprised and is given a new art project that gives him something to focus on instead of worry about how much blood they might take from him today, or what kind of medicine he will receive. Instead, he sits intently, working diligently on his project of the day and only puts it down when the nurses need him to stay still. On days when Carlos works with Arts For Life at the clinic, his visits pass by quickly and with less anxiety.

“Phineus,” by Carlos

Spotlight on: ReinaIt was one of those days at the Hemby Children’s Hospital when many of the children were saying “No, thank you,” to the offer of art: they were feeling too sick or tired. I asked Rebecca, the Child Life specialist, if she knew of a patient who would like to do some art, and she gave me the name of an 11-year-old girl from Haiti, Reina.

With a fresh pep in my step I proceeded to her room with the hope that she would have the same desire to create as she did yesterday with Rebecca. As I entered the room, she was sitting with her mother on the computer and had a twinkle in her eye as I introduced myself. She immediately slid around her sliding table and helped me pull a chair up as she moved to sit on her neatly made bed. Due to her intubation, it was difficult for her to speak, but she was such a bright-eyed and curious girl that words were not needed to communicate.

Reina was thrilled to show me the beads and string she had been given by Child Life and was surprised that I had other projects to offer. We began to paint a canvas and draw a leaf design to collage on top of the painting. While she was working, I felt as if I was giving her the best that I could, by simply sharing time with her. I admired her concentration and dedication to the project. She questioned her work a couple of times and I assured her that there is no right

or wrong in art. We spent a few hours painting together, and afterwards, we made colorful bracelets and necklaces with her beads. I was delightfully surprised when she asked if I would come back the next time I was at the hospital.

I returned after the weekend and Reina’s room was first on my list. She was ready first thing in the morning for me when I came by to see her. We spent three hours together that day, making felt purse crafts and more bracelets. I was reluctant to leave that day knowing that she would be heading to the Ronald Macdonald House later in the week and my time with her would come to an end. Through those days with Reina, I began to deeply understand the impact Arts For Life makes in the lives of these patients. I’m honored to say that I’ve had the opportunity to intern with such a compassionate organization.

introducing: Lucy, Wes, and MelandeeArts For Life Charlotte’s newest Team members2011 saw the expansion of the AFL Charlotte team in some wonderful ways. Lucy Snow, Charlotte’s new Community Coordinator, joined Arts For Life in the summer of 2011 - just in time to spearhead Charlotte’s Fancy Pants Dance in November. Under Lucy’s guidance, the Fancy Pants Dance raised $4,000 for our programs at Presbyterian Hospital and provided a unique opportunity for our supporters in Charlotte to gather and celebrate Arts For Life’s 10th Anniversary in 2011. Lucy continues promoting awareness of Arts For Life in the Charlotte region through outreach, special events, and public relations. If you are interested in learning more about community volunteering, please contact Lucy at lucy@aflnc.org

We also welcomed two new members to AFL’s Board of Directors: Wes Sugg of Laurel Wealth Advisors and Melandee Jones of TIAA-CREF. Wes and Melandee both guide Arts For Life in terms of growth and governance in their roles on the Board, but they are also both very active in Arts For Life on the ground. Melandee hosted a “Lunch And Learn” featuring AFL for Ally Bank employees to discover more about our work, and Wes represented AFL at a Charlotte Checkers game dedicated to the patients we serve at Presbyterian. AFL is fortunate to have these wonderful people advocating for AFL in the Charlotte community!

Lucy and Zavhon at the clinic

“Arts for Life gives patients an outlet for expression and a break from the stressors of medical equipment, procedures, and the role of “being a patient.” When kids are creating art, the hospital disappears for a few hours and they are just a kid again. Arts for Life improves and quickens a patient’s ability to feel comfortable and be themselves in the healthcare environment. AFL teachers are a vital part of our interdisciplinary team and our ability to provide effective family-centered care.”

Katy Field, Child Life Specialist at Blume Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic

This spotlight written by AFL Intern, Angela Lozowski

Intern Angela

Arts For Life Art Show!inSpired Artwork from the Young ArtiStS

in ArtS for Life’S progrAmS

From top left, clockwise: “Hope,” by Christina, age 18; “Colorful Spring,” by Gabby, age 14; “Let It Snow,” by Laura, age 14; “Sheka,” by Sheka, age 10; “The Big City,” by Zasheed, age 13; “She IS Beautiful,” by Sarah, age 16; “Killer Whale,” by Dominick, age 7; “Clownfish,” by Hailey, age 12; “Easter Blossoms,” by Rachel, age 13

The Sweet Sounds of Music at Arts For Life CharlotteTwo years ago, Music Fellows Kevin Gill and Grey Brewster began bringing music to the halls of Presbyterian Hospital and Blume Clinic. Last year, Kevin and Grey taught over 450 guitar, percussion, and songwriting lessons to young patients and families on the Inpatient Unit and Hematology/Oncology Cancer Clinic of Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital. The Fellows travel from room to room with their cart of drums, shakers, and

noisemakers, guitar slung across their shoulder, enticing even the most listless patient to perk up and make some music. Brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents join in the musical fun and create special memories.

This program was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, the Arts & Science Council, and Speedway Children’s Charities.

AFL’s tenth Anniversary

Portrait ProjectIn early 2011, the Program Directors from each chapter put their creative heads together and decided on a special portrait project, to which kids from all four chapters would contribute. Self-portraits are a favorite project among AFL patients, families, and teachers; they are a fun and insightful way to learn new artistic skills, express creativity, and tell personal stories.

Program Director Sarah Alexander guided nine patients in creating 5”x5” portraits, which later were “quilted” onto a canvas to create a collaborative art piece. This special original artwork was auctioned off at the Fancy Pants Dance in November, with all the proceeds going to benefit our art programs at Presbyterian. We thank all the young artists of AFL for contributing to this unique project!

Arts For Life’s Programs in CharlotteArts For Life can be found in two different places at Presbyterian Hospital:

Blume Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Clinic - the outpatient cancer and blood disease clinic where young patients come for same-day treatments or tests. The art table in the waiting room at Blume is ready and waiting for kids who walk through the door of the clinic! Often, kids will start a project at the waiting room art table, and their AFL teacher will bring materials back to their treatment room so they continue working on their project. Even outpatient visits can last several hours at the clinic. When that’s the case, Arts For Life is there to help pass the time with unlimited dynamic and educational art projects.

Hemby Children’s Hospital - the inpatient unit where kids of all ages stay overnight. Arts For Life teachers travel from room to room, offering exciting art, music, and creative writing projects to kids who may be hospital-bound for weeks at a time. Bedside art lessons give kids and families a chance to stretch their creativity and engage their minds and spirits.

In addition, Arts For Life plans and participates in Support groups, regular events designed to help kids navigate life with illness. Support groups and outpatient events for special populations, like Sickle Cell patients or teenage oncology patients, offer children and adolescents a safe atmosphere to share their common experience and learn special art skills.

Arts For Life provides five hours of music lessons to patients and family members each week. We have the Arts & Science Council, North Carolina Arts Council, and Speedway Childrens Charities to thank for making AFL’s Music Fellowship Program possible in 2011.

Fish by Mattie

Kevin and patient Samajae; above: Grey leading a jam session at the

Junior League art show, Spring 2011

Did You Know?Our educational art programs:

• Utilize art stations, art teachers, and art lessons to transform and improve healthcare environments;

• Provide hospitalized and seriously ill children access to the arts and education;

• Help young patients and their families cope with short and long term effects of illness;

• Give patients opportunities to interact with peers (other patients and siblings);

• Foster patients’ imaginations, critical thinking skills, and creativity;

• Help patients to set and achieve goals;

• Guide patients in focusing on positive activities during waiting times and during stressful experiences;

• Provide positive educational experiences that add a sense of purpose and accomplishment to children’s lives.

new in 2011:

the arts for life k e e p s a k e c o l l e c t i o n

art prints

In 3 sizes, ready to frame!

notecards

keepsake.aflnc.orgSee the entire coLLection:

...and more!

Fancy Pants Dance!On November 11, Charlotteans were decked out in their Fanciest Pants to raise money for Arts For Life’s programs. The Fancy Pants Dance at the Hilton Charlotte City Center featured dinner, drinks, dancing to live music from the Fabulous Swingin’ Richards, a Live and Silent Auction emceed by Amy Cowman from WCNC Newschannel 36, a special 10-year anniversary video debut, and, of course, a Most Fanciful Pants contest!

“We were excited to share Arts For Life with members of the Charlotte community, old friends and new,” says Arts For Life Executive Director Shea Godwin. “The Fancy Pants Dance was a fun, whimsical way to raise funds that support and enrich the minds, hearts, and spirits of thousands of young patients struggling with serious illnesses and disabilities. Many of Charlotte’s community members came to see the kids’ artwork, hear the stories, and be part of bringing top-notch art and music programs to these special children and their families.”

The Fancy Pants Dance raised $4,000 for AFL’s educational art programs. The Dance was made possible with the support of Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital, Laurel Wealth Advisors, Studio Displays, Amy Cowman, and countless others.

Young artist T.T.

Our deepest appreciation goes to our friends at Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital. With the hospital’s support, Arts For Life strives to bring peace, light, and laughter to young patients on their darkest days.

To the People Who Made Our Work Possible In 2011

How You Can Help: CONTACT arts for life!info@aflnc.org 828-658-1599

For more info on Arts For Life:

Scan with your Smartphone!

Thank You!

Make a donation to sustain our vital arts programmingHost a Coffee Talk or a House Party to share your support with friends

Volunteer at Presbyterian, teaching art to young patientsOrganize a Cakes For Kids Bake Sale to benefit Arts For Life

Contact us today to find out about opportunities to get involved!

We send our heartfelt thanks to our friends, community partners, and sponsors:

Peter AredonArts & Science Council

Joan BoltonAmy Cowman, WCNC 36

Andrew DiamondTony Griffin

Melandee JonesJunior League of Charlotte

Larry and Lindy KoralikKiwanis Club of Charlotte

Laurel Wealth AdvisorsNorth Carolina Arts Council

Novant Health, Inc.Thomas Palmer

Robert & Pegi PikeLori Pope

Providence United Methodist ChurchMichael and Deborah Snow

Speedway Childrens CharitiesStudio Displays, Inc.

Wes SuggThe Viveiros Familyand many more...

Jean BrownCollins Byers

Kendra CampbellKristen Clements

Sarah ColesKimberly DelpStephanie Flury

Shanley-Anne Gaither Ashleigh KehlLesley Mills

Allison RoaneHeather ShawRachel Stoy

Many Thanks to our 2011 Junior League Volunteers!The Junior League of Charlotte continues to support Arts For Life, for the 5th year in a row! Thanks to their investment in volunteer time and funding, AFL is able to offer programming on evenings and weekends when other support services are typically unavailable - and patients’ needs unmet.

The Junior League also hosted another great AFL art exhibit in the spring of 2011, and are in the midst of planning 2012’s art show!

teAching VoLunteerS: