The decades-old memory of a frightened 5-year-old girl whose parents drove her in the early morning hours from Cocke County for a procedure at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital was heightened for ETCH Director of Development Jennifer Lamb when she met the daughter of the doctor who calmed her fears that day.
“I met Amy Campbell at this photo shoot. When I learned her dad was the late Dr. John Campbell who had such an impact on me, it reaffirmed how critical the environment we create is to the positive experience we want for patients and families. I’ll never forget Dr. Campbell (who served families at ETCH for decades) and how he gently comforted a little girl terrified of the unknown.”
"Every child is an artist." - Pablo Picasso
The mission heartbeat for East Tennessee’s only comprehensive regional pediatric center is to surround patients and families in a holistic healing environment. In 2009, now-retired Vice President of Institutional Advancement Carlton Long debuted the hospital’s inspiring program, The Art of Healing.
According to Jennifer, this therapeutic art program curates pieces created by Tennessee artists – from emerging artists to Knoxville’s acclaimed glass sculptor Richard Jolley. The artwork is as diverse as the children and families served: tapestries, oils, acrylics, quilts, ceramics, handblown glass, painted wood, miniatures, sculpture, stainless steel, and many others.
It is the small things after all.
“For 15 years, every detail of this program has been thoughtfully planned. There’s a reason and clear criteria for the art and its placement,” says Director of Marketing Natalia Havasy. “Age of patients? Treatment? Long-term stay? … in order to assess what the halls, walls, and rooms need to emotionally support our families in a specific environment,” she adds.
“Communicating with children emotionally is easier through art, the room color palette room, a dinosaur-design lead apron, even the bed sheets – the smallest décor and detail is selected to lessen anxiety,” Natalia continues. Hopeful, joyful art helps distract from medical environments that can feel overwhelming to patients and families.
The emotional well-being of parents is also nurtured because positivity and peace translate to their children. The NICU Light Court Family Area with its levitating paper castle (“Just Imagine”) offers a serene space for exhausted moms to take a break from anxious thoughts. “NICU parents also have access to a rooftop garden, another legacy of Carlton Long, to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and natural beauty in the middle of the city,” Jennifer adds.
The art is fun and energetic in the Hematology/Oncology controlled-environment playroom where children with suppressed immune systems play. In the Waiting Room, a 9’x12’ wall holds a painted window overlooking green fields of bunnies while 3-D rabbits climb up for a peek into “Bunny World.”
Artful opportunities to invest
Jennifer explains there are pieces of artwork available for sponsorship by individuals or organizations. Historically, a committee helps select artwork reflecting the colors, shapes, themes, patterns, textures, and subjects that children are naturally drawn to – chosen from artist collections across the state, but also commissioned for ETCH.
“We have parents who sponsor art In Honor Of a child treated here, or a volunteer on behalf of another volunteer, or a group honoring our dedicated medical staff,” Jennifer adds. “Those interested in sponsorships can tour the hospital to see named opportunities.”
Jennifer’s position is her dream job. “My calling is fundraising for a hospital like ETCH that helps as many children as we possibly can. When your child is sick, you may not know where to turn, which can be frightening,” the mother of two continues. “We’re blessed with this treasure in our community where parents get the best medical care for their child from expert, caring medical teams. Our hearts are united in the goal for the children we serve to have positive, healing experiences here and to live long, healthy, happy, lives.” It’s an art unto itself.
To inquire about sponsorships, contact Jennifer Lamb at (865) 541-8668, jclam@etch.com, or visit Etch.com/ways-to-give/art-of-healing/
“Those interested in sponsorships can tour the hospital to see available named opportunities.” - Jennifer Lamb