Located at Mercy Hospital Downtown, the Art and Spirituality Center is home to programs that support the idea that the process of experiencing art promotes health and well-being of patients by aiding in their physical, mental, and emotional recovery, including relieving anxiety and decreasing the perception of pain.

The Center is also a place for those who just want to come into a quiet and reflective space to read, pray or have a quiet conversation. The Art and Spirituality Center is open to patient family members, community members, and caregivers.

Art for Healing provides opportunities for art-making, laughter, writing, music and other creative experiences. It is our hope that each participant may become practiced in the skills of letting go, living in the moment, artful reflection and relaxation.

All programs are led by experienced facilitators and they are for persons 18 and older, unless otherwise noted, who are seeking a respite from stress or health care concerns.

Art Cart Volunteers take Art for Healing to the bedside for patients at Mercy and Memorial Hospitals. In an atmosphere where patients can feel out of control, the Art Cart offers a therapeutic and healing tool, reducing stress and loneliness and providing opportunities for self-expression.

Research shows that the arts can reduce patients’ need for pain medication and length of stay in the hospital.

The Threshold Choir sings at the bedside to provide comfort for those who are facing death, grief or suffering. Patients, family members, or loved ones may request a small group of singers to offer songs of kindness at the bedside at Mercy and Memorial Hospitals.