IFAH PROJECTS
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VA Hospital Mural Project/2008-2009
As a service to the Veterans Administration Hospital, IFAH and other volunteers have committed to bringing art back onto the hospitals psychiatric ward. Having received new policies from Washington D.C. regarding the safety of the hospital’s locked units, it was determined that any artwork hanging up could be dangerous for patients and staff. As a preventive measure, the VA hospital felt the need to remove such framed artwork.
Beginning in September, IFAH has volunteered, along with others, to help paint an extensive mural across the walls of the hospital’s psychiatric ward. The artists have created a city theme as the corridor of the ward runs in a circle and patients often call it “walking around the block.” Artists are incorporating both cityscape and landscape illustrations to create this visual effect.
Art is an integral part of therapy for the patients--not to mention it greatly enhances the hospital experience for both patients and staff. The mural project is being led by visual arts major Charisse Calaquian.
If you are interested in helping with the designing and/or painting of the mural, please let us know! There are also opportunities for artists to include their own individual painting on the walls! This is a great chance for new IFAH members to become involved and it is also an incredible contribution to the patients and staff at the VA Hospital. |
