Rebecca E. Loechler
The Art Cart
The Art Cart is a mobile creative station that aims to bring creative empowerment and healing to pediatric patients in under-served hospital settings through artistic intervention. The Art Cart initiative seeks to bridge the gaps in current pediatric patient care through a diverse range of creative projects delivered directly to patient rooms on a specialized cart.
Artist/Thesis Statement
The Art Cart is a mobile creative station that aims to bring creative empowerment and healing to pediatric patients in under-served hospital settings through artistic intervention. Inspired by the therapeutic potential of visual arts for pediatric patients (Ullán & Belver, 2021), this initiative seeks to bridge the gap in creative resources by providing tailored, research-based activities that support both physical and psychological well-being. By offering a diverse range of engaging projects delivered directly to patient rooms on a specialized cart, The Art Cart facilitates artistic expression while minimizing disruptions to medical care.
The adoption of a nostalgic, vintage carnival-inspired, visual language not only infuses each aspect of the project with dynamic visuals and typography but also fosters a sense of universal charm, resonating with patients of all ages and backgrounds. By seamlessly integrating this aesthetic into every facet of The Art Cart, from project design to packaging and instructional materials, the initiative unfolds as a cohesive and captivating experience, igniting joy, connection, and healing within hospital environments. Through this deliberate fusion of creativity and accessibility, The Art Cart endeavors to uplift and empower pediatric patients, transcending boundaries to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.
Works Cited:
Ullán, A.M., & Belver, M.H. (2021). Visual Arts in children’s hospitals: Scoping review. HERD: HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & Design Journal, 14(4), 339-367. https://doi.org/10.1177/19375867211003494.
Ullán, A.M., & Belver, M.H. (2021). Visual Arts in children’s hospitals: Scoping review. HERD: HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & Design Journal, 14(4), 339-367. https://doi.org/10.1177/19375867211003494.
