Through the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to placing colorful, soothing photographs of nature and flowers in health care facilities around the world, individuals with developmental disabilities, served at AHRC Bronx Mayflower Adult Day Center (ADC), were given the opportunity to showcase their photos inside Jacobi Medical Center.
Studies show that nature art has a beneficial effect on relieving a patient’s stress and anxiety. For individuals with developmental disabilities and autism, these positive benefits are paralleled with use of creative outlets. The 15 selected New York Botanical Garden photos, taken by photographers from AHRC’s Mayflower ADC, radiate soothing, beautiful images of blossoming flowers and plants.
The foundation was established and incorporated in the USA in 2002 by photographer Elaine Poggi, who turned her personal tragedy of the loss of her mother into a worldwide campaign to bring photographs of nature to hospitals around the world. In 2008, the Foundation’s Board opened its doors to photographers from around the world. To present, more than 2000 photos have been placed in over 100 healthcare facilities on five continents. The Foundation funds the development, lamination, framing and shipment of the prints to the facilities.
“This project demonstrates how art can be used to connect two populations who are in difficulty – helping one group, the intellectually disabled, show solidarity to the other group, patients in hospitals, through sharing their artistic talents,” stated Poggi. “The foundation wishes to support and encourage the individuals participating in the AHRC New York City day habilitation centers to use their artistic talents to help others who are suffering in healthcare facilities.”
