The Periwinkle Foundation, in collaboration with Northwestern Mutual, recently hosted the fourth annual Making A Mark® Artapalooza, an event designed to ignite creativity and joy among patients at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. From May 13-16 and on May 20, young patients and their families participated in a week filled with artistic exploration and expression, creating pieces for the upcoming 34th annual Making A Mark exhibit.

 Photos by Larry Geiger, The Periwinkle Foundation
 

 A Week of Artistic Joy

During Artapalooza, 162 children and their family members engaged in various art projects, using mediums such as tempera, watercolor, torn paper collages, and mixed media. The themes changed daily, encouraging maximum creativity and the creation of self-portraits. Artapalooza boxes and shirts are being distributed to patients in the Center’s inpatient units this week. Additionally, art boxes were sent to the Texas Children’s Vannie Cook Cancer Clinic in McAllen, Texas, to be given to patients and siblings there.

Making A Mark® Exhibit

The Making A Mark® exhibit, part of the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine (PAIM) program, debuts each September to honor Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness month. Last year, over 250 original pieces of art and creative writings by children impacted by cancer and blood disorders were showcased. PAIM engages children and teens in artistic activities across inpatient and outpatient clinical settings, fostering a creative outlet that aids in their healing process.

 Photos by Larry Geiger, The Periwinkle Foundation
 

Artapalooza’s Significance

“We are excited about our fourth Artapalooza event with our partners at Northwestern Mutual and Texas Children's Hospital," said Doug Suggitt, Executive Director of The Periwinkle Foundation. "Artapalooza is a great way to kick off this year's Making A Mark exhibit. It's wonderful to see our Periwinkle artists in action as they create their inspired pieces of art."

Erin Locke, Community Programs Director at The Periwinkle Foundation, has been instrumental in expanding PAIM along with her partners at Texas Children’s Hospital. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has resumed full activities, bringing joy and creative expression to young patients.

 Photos by Larry Geiger, The Periwinkle Foundation

 The Healing Power of Art

Dr. Susan Blaney, Director of Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer and Hematology Center, emphasized the importance of artistic expression in healthcare. “Art and healthcare go hand-in-hand because art enhances the healing environment and treatment journey, particularly for children with chronic or life-threatening medical conditions. Not only does it help the patient, it may also have a tremendous positive impact on siblings and parents.”

Since 1997, the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine program has provided unique opportunities for self-expression and empowerment, helping children and their families develop coping skills through creative outlets.

For more information about The Periwinkle Foundation, visit http://www.periwinklefoundation.org