Arkansas Children's Patients Creating a Positive Patient Experience Through Art

During the month of October, Thea Foundation will showcase works by Arkansas Children’s Hospital patients as well as their Artists-In-Residence in an exhibit titled "Arkansas Children's Patients Creating a Positive Patient Experience Through Art." A special reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 18, during Argenta Art Walk at Thea Foundation located at 401 Main Street in downtown North Little Rock.

Arkansas Children's Hospital has two artists-in-residence, Hamid Ebrahimifar and Elizabeth Weber, who will be in attendance at the reception to discuss the works as well as their program at the hospital. This program is made possible through a grant from the Arkansas Arts Council and donors to the Arkansas Children's Hospital Child Life and Education Department. Art participation is brought to the patient's bedside, allowing patients an outlet for expression and creativity. The art program promotes education, creativity and healing for Arkansas Children's patients while helping to decrease the fear and anxiety of being in the hospital. The Child Life and Education department provides compassionate, child-centered care by focusing on the emotional, social, educational and recreational needs of patients and their families. Arkansas Children’s Hospital is the state’s only pediatric healthcare system and champions children by making them better today and healthier tomorrow.

Outside of the reception, this exhibition may be seen during Thea Foundation’s regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Calling ahead is encouraged, as our staff is regularly out of the office for meetings and events.

About Thea Foundation

Thea Foundation’s mission is to advocate the importance of the Arts in the development of our youth. Three programs are implemented statewide to support this mission—Thea Scholarships, Art Closet and Arts Reconstruction. Since 2002, Thea Foundation has awarded more than $2.3 million in scholarships to Arkansas students and provided more than $1.5 million in art supplies and creative materials to underfunded schools through our Art Closet program. In addition, Arts Reconstruction is our focused effort to help teachers receive professional development and supplies to enable a better platform to advance in their own careers and schools. Our collective aim is to enrich young minds through the power of the Arts. Named for the daughter of Paul and Linda Leopoulos, Thea Foundation carries on the legacy of Thea Kay Leopoulos, who thrived academically, socially and emotionally thanks to her artistic pursuits.

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