Art Therapy Show Opens Sept. 21

Ever wonder what art therapy is all about? The inaugural CompleteLife Art Show, Sept. 21 and 24-26, is your chance to see art made by patients, caregivers and team members at Indiana University Health Simon Cancer Center and IU Health University Hospital. The show is sponsored by Roche Diagnostics through a donation to the IU Health Foundation.

Much of medical treatment focuses on the body—but art therapy goes beyond just the physical to provide additional care for mind and spirit. Art therapy allows patients, loved ones and other caregivers to work through feelings that are difficult to verbalize, and it gives people a sense of control while reducing anxiety and depression. Each session is unique and based on the individual’s needs and goals.

The art exhibit is expected to include paintings, drawings, collages, sculptures and mixed-media pieces, on the theme of “Strength. Courage. Creativity.”

The public is invited to an unveiling on September 21 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at the Simon Cancer Center, with remarks by IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy and Roche Diagnostics President and CEO Jack Phillips. The exhibit will close at 5 pm on Sept. 21, then be open again from 9 am to 5 pm on Sept. 24, 25 and 26.

The Simon Cancer Center is at 1030 West Michigan Street in Indianapolis, and parking is available at the Adult Outpatient Center Garage at IU Health University Hospital or IUPUI’s Vermont Street Garage.

The CompleteLife Program is a comprehensive therapy program that attends to the body, mind and spirit of the whole person. Art therapy is one component in a full range of complimentary services that also includes appearance consultations (including wigs), massage therapy, music therapy, support groups and yoga therapy. CompleteLife services are available for patients and families of IU Health Simon Cancer Center and IU Health University Hospital.

For more information on the IU Health Foundation and its work to support patients and caregivers, visit iuhealthfoundation.org.