Luxe Beat Magazine APRIL 2015 | Page 153

Art an io anni di io os ital in loren e tal he oundation for hoto rt in os itals donated hoto ra hs s onsored t a es eri an Episcopal Church beaches and the glorious Tuscan hills. When speaking about how art positively enhances patients’ lives, Poggi emphasizes: “White, cold, sterile walls exemplify the traditional hospital setting, where stress, pain, fear and loneliness abound. Staring at these walls is boring and depressing. Studies show that nat r art ha a n ia ff t on r i in a ati nt tr and anxiety. The mood changes when our beautiful nature photos are placed on the walls, providing color, comfort and hope to patients, caregivers and loved ones.” Through the Foundation’s Contributing Photographers Program, Poggi invites photographers from around the world to submit their art work for placement in hospitals. One photographer who participates in the program is Roberta London, whose macro photographic images a t r th i affirmin irit o ori a ri iant y o or o r I am honored that she is also member of the Manhattan Arts International Featured Artists Program. London is grateful to be a part of the Foundation’s program and states: “Elaine Poggi’s vision, leadership and accomplishments in bringing healing art to hospitals are extraordinary. The Foundation for the hospital while she was being treated for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, she couldn’t help but notice how dreary the hospital was and the negative impact this had on patients, employees and visitors. So she brought her beautiful natureinspired photographs to make her mother’s room more cheerful. In 2002, after she lost her mother to cancer, she transformed her grief into a humanistic worldwide campaign and launched The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals. As a living tribute to h r moth r thi non ro t i y supported organization is dedicated to placing colorful, soothing photographs of nature in hospitals. The Foundation’s message is “Humanizing Hospitals Through Healing Photo Art.” Photo/Art in Hospitals has clearly touched the lives of thousands of people around the world. As a Contributing Photographer to the Foundation, it is a privilege to be even a small part of a grand work.” Poggi serves as a shining example of how to turn bereavement into a tribute to honor a loved one and bring purpose to one’s life. As she explains: “I have met so many people and created amazing friendships through the years with patients, their families, volunteers, doctors, nurses, hospital auxiliary members and hospital administrators. It was been very rewarding for me to see how my photos and the photos of our Contributing Photographers ha ma a iff r n in th i of these people. I can’t think of anything that I would rather be doing!” The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals accepts tax-deductible donations. Photographers who want to learn how to contribute their art to th o n ation i n tai on the website. Visit The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals’ website: ealin hoto rt or . This article is an adaptation of an article I wrote: “Art in Hospitals Aids The Healing Process” Art installation in Cardinal Glennon Children’s os ital in t ouis issouri he oundation for Photo / Art, founded by photographer Elaine Poggi, has placed more than 5,000 nature photos in more than 300 healthcare facilities on seven continents to create healing environments Poggi is proud to say that since its inception 13 years ago, the Foundation has placed more than 5,000 nature photos in more than 300 healthcare facilities on seven continents. The subjects in the photographs range from vibrant and o or ora to a tro i a 153