The Art Experientials

Patients, their caregivers, friends and families who participated in the Beginning of the End of Life Study, were invited to attend several art experiential workshops which were held in the hospital.     Patients would arrive sometimes with their caregiver, sometimes alone, but most often with a family member.   Often times, patients would express their nervousness at the idea of drawing an image.  Many times, they would explain why they couldn’t draw well – or hadn’t drawn for years.   But, when asked what brought them to this particular workshop, they would describe their innermost feelings and felt eager to share their thoughts – a guided art experience seemed like a safe and effective way of expressing on paper what they could not verbalize.  And, in addition, it was a way for their caregiver, friend or family member to join them in their experience.

Illness takes away so much, but creating art is an opportunity to tell a personal story of pain, anger, joy and hope.   Everyone listened intently to the stories at the check-in of our art groups.   Everyone told about the difficulties, a sense of sadness and isolation.  They spoke of how all of their lives have changed and how each of them personally coped.   An art experiential was created by the facilitator based on the conversation at the check-in.  The following are examples:

Who were you before your diagnosis? Who are you now?  What do you want your future to look like?

Draw your mind, body and spirit.

Draw each person in your family. What do you want to say to them?   What are they saying to you?

As everyone drew with crayons, pastels, marking pens, pencils and some choosing to create collages, conversations began and friendships were made.   Many found they had a lot in common with the other participants, and, slowly, a community started to form.

It is interesting to note that once everyone began drawing there was no mention of a lack of artistic ability.   Abstract drawings, stick figures, symbols, words, even very primitive images were expressed.   There was plenty of time for each person to describe their art work and talk about their feelings.   Many were surprised at what they had drawn, seeing images in the art work that they had not intended to include.    

The drawings on this web site were all created by these remarkable individuals who have so willingly shared their feelings.   Further, art experiential workshops were held for the members of the Comprehensive Care Team (physicians, social workers, the chaplain and pharmacist, researchers and medical students).  A few of these workshops were held with both the patient participants in the Study as well as the Team members. All of the workshops were facilitated in the same manner.  Many of the drawings created by the Team are included on this site.   

We are grateful to everyone who participated in our workshops and shared their stories and drawings with us.