Humanizing Hospitals Through Healing Photo Art
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Placing Healing Art Where It’s Needed Most
Nature images can help heal the soul, which in turn helps heal the body.
White, cold, sterile walls exemplify the traditional hospital setting, where stress, pain, fear and loneliness abound. Staring at these empty walls is boring and depressing. The mood changes when our beautiful nature photos are placed on the walls, providing color, comfort, and hope to patients, caregivers, and loved ones.
The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals was established in the USA in 2002 by photographer Elaine Poggi, who turned her personal tragedy of the loss of her mother into a worldwide campaign to bring photos of nature to hospitals.
Offering an extensive portfolio of nature photos ranging from tropical beaches to Japanese cherry blossoms to the Tuscan hills, donated by Elaine and other photographers from all corners of the world, the nonprofit Foundation seeks funding to cover printing, framing, and shipping expenses so that the cost to hospitals is minimal or none at all.
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Julie Gordon, Contributing Photographer
Julie Gordon, California USA (P663)
Enjoy this beautiful underwater photo taken by Julie Gordon, our new Contributing Photographer!
Julie comments, “During a hospital stay of my own, I found myself soothed by a single photograph on the wall. It reminded me how powerful imagery can be when someone is navigating uncertainty. As an underwater photographer, I’ve always felt that the ocean holds a kind of quiet medicine for the body and soul and I enjoy sharing this world with others. Connecting with Elaine and being invited to contribute was an unexpected gift. I’m honored to have my work included in a mission that bring calm and source of comfort to people and places that truly matter.”
Rick Beldegreen, Contributing Photographer
Rick Beldegreen, Alaska USA (P660)
Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Rick Beldegreen!
Rick comments, “I am a retired veterinarian and lifelong wildlife photographer. I am fortunate to be able to travel extensively to such exotic places as The Arctic, Antarctica, Africa and more. Wildlife photography is a serious hobby for me but I most enjoy bringing nature home to those unable to view it firsthand. I have long been aware of the positive mental and physical health benefits achieved simply by viewing images of nature; lower blood pressure and heart rate, decreased anxiety among others. My images decorate the walls of many veterinary hospitals and I had been looking for a way to send them to human hospitals as well. After an online search I found Healing Photo Art in Hospitals. What an amazing concept. I am proud to now be a part of such a worthy organization.”
