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The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Arts & Humanities Program promotes an optimum life experience for patients, family members, and caregivers with activities, resources, education, and environments that encourage a creative and constructive response to illness.

The arts provide avenues of expression that assist with coping, transition, emotional expression, communication, and problem solving. Music, drama, dance/movement, visual, and literary art empower individuals to maintain a life-affirming perspective.

March 2008 Calendar of Events

Latest News from the Program

How do the Arts & Humanities complement traditional healthcare?

The arts help to:

• Encourage creative approaches to health and wellness
• Develop avenues of expression and communication
• Create a positive life experience within the context of illness
• Foster personal growth
• Support and strengthen the team of caregivers.

What types of programs are available?

• Programs for patients that encourage a self-directed and creative response to illness and healing, introduce coping techniques, and provide a respite from health concerns.
• Programs for family members that provide support, a sense of belonging, and tools for expression.
• Education programs that teach the purpose and value of the arts in healthcare.
• Programs for staff that encourage creative expression, provide intellectual stimulation, reinforce a sense of community, and assist with stress management.
• Training for artists interested in working in a healthcare setting.
• Volunteer opportunities for individuals wishing to share their creative talents.
• Arts resources: journals, sketch pads, paints,
  music, literature, and prints for pleasure and productivity.
• Research to investigate the impact of the arts on health and well-being.

What programs are currently offered?

Expressive Writing Workshops: Facilitated group and individual writing sessions to manage the flow of thoughts and emotions with creative topics and exercises. Members of the Lombardi community contribute writing to Lombardi Voices and are invited to participate in evening readings in the Nina Hyde Room.

Visual Art Workshops: Quilting, fiber arts, clay, painting, collage, beading, watercolor, and artist books are featured. Workshops include basic instruction with professional artists, materials, techniques, and ongoing support.

Atrium Art Exhibition: Monthly shows of visual art by area artists selected to create a life enhancing environment. Sale of art benefits the arts at Lombardi

Performance Series: Presentations by area musicians, dancers, and actors in the Lombardi Atrium and oncology outpatient and inpatient clinics.

Artists in Residence: Artists representing all disciplines become part of the Lombardi community, demonstrating techniques, exhibiting art, performing, and teaching introductory level classes to patients and caregivers.

Lombardi Moves: A dance curriculum designed for cancer patients encourages stress reduction, muscle toning, and flexibility. Separate sessions are held for staff. Patient workshops are modified to accommodate special physical needs.

How can I find the current schedule of programs?

A monthly calendar of events can be found at the top of this page. The monthly calendar, brochures, and arts and healthcare research information are available in the Arts & Humanities Office in the Lombardi Clinic.

Do I need previous training or experience in the arts to participate?

No previous training is necessary. All programs are designed for beginners and can be adapted for those with advanced skills. The objective is to engage in creative expression at each person’s comfort level.

How can I contribute my creative expertise to the Lombardi Community?

Many people whose lives have been touched by cancer wish to give back by sharing their artistic talents with patients and staff. The Program Director would be happy to assist in designing a program that meets the needs of the Lombardi community.

I would like to support the Arts & Humanities Program at Lombardi with a financial contribution. How do I proceed?

The Arts & Humanities Program welcomes your support. Arts activities are not covered by health insurance. These vital programs are made possible only by generous donations from institutions and individuals who recognize the value of addressing emotional as well as the physical needs of patients and the people who care for them. For more information or to contribute, please call Nancy Morgan, Director, at (202) 444-7228, or e-mail npm2@georgetown.edu.