The Power of Art

In a very fundamental way, creative work is tied to our sense of being vital, alive and healthy. Physical illness brings suffering not only in the body, but also in the mind and spirit.

What We Do

Art allows children to express what they may not be able to speak about-fear, isolation, anger and loss. Through art and play therapy young cancer patients and their families learn to cope with the emotional stress and trauma associated with their disease and its treatment.

Normal Kids, Extraordinary Challenges

Young cancer patients must face extraordinary challenges. Not only must they endure surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, they must also give up many things most kids take for granted.

Building Community

Children do not come to the clinic alone: they bring parents and guardians, siblings and other relatives and sometimes even friends. We invite each patient’s caregivers to participate in the Open Studio program, to help reduce their anxiety and provide new avenues for understanding and support.

What our kids and families have to say

We offer comments from our kids and their families, reflecting on their experiences in the Tracy's Kids Art Therapy Program.

Elephant Wisdom

In 2002, the District of Columbia hosted a public art exhibit called Party Animals. Artists from all over the area were invited to submit designs to decorate an elephant or donkey-the symbols of our two main political parties.

Annual Art Exhibit

Each year we have an exhibit of patient artwork in the Lombardi Atrium. Our 2007-2008 exhibit included a giant silk hoop mobile, titled “I Believe I can Fly!” It was so popular that it remains on display in the Lombardi Atrium. We also helped refresh the Hall of Heroes at Children’s National Medical Center in 2007. Included in the new installation is an ongoing art exhibited on the theme “The Hero’s Journey.” Past exhibits have included photographs and writing, tabletop fountains in stoneware, picture quilts, life-size self-portrait sculptures and woodworking.

Honors, Awards, and Publications

Ms. Councill was awarded the American Art Therapy's Clinician Award in 2003 for her work in the Tracy's Kids Art Therapy Program.