The Original Youth Art For Healing
Program Model

Phase I

1. The organization using the program model partners with healthcare organizations to select artwork locations and brainstorm content, measurements, themes, and the total number of works of art.

2. Project lists of artworks are developed in collaboration with the organization’s healthcare partners. After projects are reviewed and approved by healthcare partners, an agreement is signed.

3. The organization distributes project lists to art coordinators in participating school districts. In the case of YAFH from 2012-23, project lists were distributed in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

PHASE II

1. Art teachers interested in participating in the program with their students contact the organization.

2. Projects are assigned to art teachers in September for completion by their students in March.

3. The organization provides a presentation for art teachers and their students, which covers the following information:

   • The Youth Art For Healing mission

   • The power of art to inspire, comfort, and heal

   • The benefits of bringing the arts into healthcare environments

   • Evidence-based guidelines for creating art for healthcare environments

   • The healthcare organizations requesting works of art

   • The project details (healthcare location, medium, theme, content, measurements, and total number of artworks requested).

4. The organization provides students with canvases, brushes, and paints (for some schools, these resources are rare).

5. The organization’s Art Advisors oversee and critique sketches and works of art to expand students' artistic development and enhance the final product, encourage compassion and empathy, and promote community giving. All student artists are required to participate in two critiques.

6. Students complete and submit their works of art. They provide Artist Statements about the meaning and inspiration behind their art and how this experience has made a difference in their lives.

PHASE III

1. The organization hosts an in-person Art Show for students, families, art teachers, school staff, community partners, donors, and supporters to view the works of art and celebrate the students.

2. The students’ works of art are compiled and displayed online through a virtual art show.

3. The students’ works of art are promoted through media and other social media platforms.

4. The organization delivers the students' works of art to healthcare partners and assists with installation in patient rooms, waiting rooms, and/or corridors.

5. The organization depends on the generosity of individuals, charitable organizations, government agencies, and corporations to accomplish its mission.