News

Kiana George, The Dolomites, Italy (P606)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Kiana George!

Kiana comments, “Hi! My name is Kiana, and I am currently working as an intern for Healingphotoart this semester. Seeing firsthand how Elaine’s photos have brought light and comfort to hospitals in Florence and around the world has been truly inspiring. I am so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this amazing organization—not just as a helping hand but now as a contributing photographer as well.

The photo I took was captured during a weekend trip to the Dolomites with my roommates. We were all completely awestruck by the breathtaking views and amazed by the realization that we didn’t even have to leave Italy to experience such stunning scenery. This country truly has it all.

I’ll never forget how happy and at peace we all felt on that hike. It was such a special moment of connection and wonder. I hope this photo brings others the same sense of peace and tranquility that the Dolomites gave to me.

Sincerely,

Kiana George

Umberto Langianni, Natural Reserve Acquerino, Italy (P605)

Many thanks to Umberto Langianni, our new Contributing Photographer, for his lovely photo!

Madeline Marino, New Jersey USA (P604)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Madeline Marino!

Madeline comments, “I first discovered Healing Photo Art when deciding to study in Florence, Italy, for my fall semester. Elaine’s work with Healing Photo Art is inspiring and has had a profound impact on many lives. I am excited to contribute to a cause that positively influences so many people around the world. The healing power of art is truly something that should not be underestimated.”

Sachi Laumas, Monterosso, Italy (P603)

Many thanks to Sachi Laumas, our new Contributing Photographer, for her lovely photo!

Sachi comments, “I first discovered Healing Photo Art and Elaine’s work through my study abroad program in Florence. Healing Photo Art’s work is so important to improving patient and caregiver care in the hospital setting, and I am so excited to be a part of this larger project doing amazing work! Being able to contribute through art and photography is so meaningful to me and really demonstrates the power of art to heal and improve our collective well-being.”

Cinzia Trapani, Vicchio, Italy (P602)

Welcome to Cinzia Trapani, our new Contributing Photographer, from Florence, Italy!

Cinzia comments, “Sono contenta se la mia foto potrà allietare qualcuno!”

Olivia Honsey, Isle of Skye, Scotland (P601)

Many thanks to Olivia Honsey, our new Contributing Photographer, for her lovely photo!

Olivia comments, “I have been collaborating with Healing Photo Art for only a month and already have a place in my heart for the foundation!

I am a senior at the University Of Minnesota studying Public Health and Health & Wellness coaching. Elaine spoke to my Public Health Professional Preparation class about the foundation and the opportunity to be a contributing photographer. I love the mission of Healing Photo Art! Nature has such a powerful healing effect and should be in places that prioritize health!

I spent 4 months in Scotland Fall of 2023 on a study abroad trip. I have never seen anything like the Scottish highlands. The peace I felt just standing amidst them is unexplainable. The photo I contributed was taken at the Fairy Glens in the Isle of Skye during early November right after sunset. The Fairy Glen is known for being a place of myth & wonder. My time at the Glen was just that! In the photo, you can see the classic lush Scottish green shrubs, trees, and grasses.

Elaine communicated so well with me through the process of finding one of my photos I wanted to contribute. She has the kindest heart! I am so happy to know her, the foundation, and to see the impact of all the photos!”

Robert Orr, Illinois USA (P600)

What a beautiful sunset that Robert Orr, our new Contributing Photographer, has captured!  Robert is our 500th Contributing Photographer!  Welcome!

M231 Elaine Poggi, The Dolomites, Italy

Enjoy the magnificent view of the Dolomites!

Mary Stafford, Minnesota USA (P599)

Welcome to Mary Stafford, our new Contributing Photographer!

Mary comments, “I first became acquainted with the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals while awaiting the outcome of a loved one’s critical surgery. I was drawn to one of the large images in the room and noticed the credit to the Foundation. I had a long-held belief in the ability of certain images in art, especially those connected to the natural world, to offer a sense of peace and healing. However, I had never had such a powerful personal experience as that day while in the waiting room. Elaine Poggi was well ahead of her time in creating this global initiative. Her gift to the world goes beyond lovely Images. It is hope. I consider it a privilege to support her efforts as a contributing photographer.”

Vivia Sarne’, Utah USA (P592)

Enjoy this photo taken by one of our youngest Contributing Photographers!  Vivia was 12 years old when she took this photo while on a family road trip.  Vivia is also my granddaughter!

Vivia comments, “I enjoy taking photos to make people happy!”

Jessica Maskiell, New York USA (P598)

Welcome to Jessica Maskiell, our new Contributing Photographer!

This beautiful image of a lotus flower resting in water was captured by photographer Jessica Ramos Maskiell, in the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY.  Established in 1891, it is located on a 250-acre site that contains a landscape with over one million living plants; the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a greenhouse containing several habitats; and the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, which contains one of the world’s largest collections of botany-related texts. As of 2016, over a million people visit the New York Botanical Garden annually. The Bronx is also hometown to Jessica Ramos Maskiell.

Sally B. Simpson, Missouri USA (P597)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Sally B. Simpson, for her lovely fawn photo!

Sally comments, “I first heard about the foundation for photo/art in hospitals, when a friend of mine told me about a field trip he took to the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, MO with his workplace where they were later encouraged to submit their photos for consideration to the foundation. My friend lovingly said to me, “You should submit a photo to them because your work is outstanding.”

After I found a fellow photographer and friend on the website, listed as a contributing photographer, I saw it as a “sign” or as a good omen. At the beginning of 2022, my mother was sick in a local St. Louis hospital. I would visit each weekend and walk the long halls of the hospital, and take pictures of the artwork that adorned the halls so she could see the beautiful art. My mother would say to me, “They should be so lucky to have your photos hanging on their walls.”

My mom passed away on 4/5/2022, and I can’t think of a better way to honor her memory by knowing that one of my nature photos may hang on the wall somewhere in the world. I hope that my photo brings comfort and solace to all who see.”

Cecilia Calanda, Umbria, Italy (P596)

Enjoy this amazing rainbow captured by our new Contributing Photographer, Cecilia Calanda!

Morgan Cyr, Maine USA (P595)

Welcome to Morgan Cyr, our new Contributing Photographer!

Morgan comments, “I interned for Healing Photo Art this spring and it was a very pleasant experience. Elaine was always so welcoming and appreciative of the interns for the foundation. We went on visits to places around Florence that had just hung up photos in their healthcare settings. It was a truly amazing experience to see the impact art is able to have on well-being of individuals. It was clear that it had been well thought out what photos were chosen, as the foundation offers so many options to select from. I personally felt so moved by the art pieces that I decided to write reflections on my personal reactions to the art, which were later shared on social media. I also worked on making a video including some photos from the foundation shown alongside lovely harp music made by a friend of Elaine. Finally, I was given the opportunity to become a contributing photographer. I am beyond happy to now be making a lasting impact on the hospital settings that work with Healing Photo Art! On our last trip, Elaine was so kind to show us some amazing views around Florence for the day. The foundation has always gone above and beyond to spread positivity on communities and the world as a whole. It was a true honor to be a part of this mission.”

Rick Bruce, Pennsylvania USA (P593)

Enjoy this lovely photo taken by our new Contributing Photographer, Rick Bruce!

Rick comments, “Healing Photo Art is an excellent way to encourage patients and even medical staff as they travel in medical facilities. I found out about this wonderful organization when I saw one of Elaine’s photos from the Dolomites in a Patient First examination room in Abington PA this spring when dealing with a particularly nasty cold. Her photo cheered me up. I thought perhaps my own photo work could do the same for others.”

Rose Roman, Florida USA (P590)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Rose Roman!  Enjoy her lovely photo taken in Florida.

Peyton Lehner, Florida USA (P591)

Enjoy this lovely sunset taken by our new Contributing Photographer, Peyton Lehner!

Peyton comments, “I was connected to Elaine and the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals by my Public Health professor at my university. I align with the foundation’s uplifting mission and its amazing work across the globe. I have always found an important correlation between the arts and public health and how they are very beneficial to many! As a volunteer for this foundation, I found myself taking pictures to be used in these hospitals across the globe. I have found myself feeling very proud to be a part of what the foundation does. I also encourage others to do the same!”

Marsha Armentrout, Missouri USA (P588)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Marsha Armentrout!

Marsha comments, “I love to walk the trails in Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Missouri throughout the year –especially in Autumn when the leaves turn gold, and the fresh air is invigorating! What an opportunity to be a part of this wonderful organization that celebrates beauty by sharing these inspiring photos from around the world. It is exciting to explore the Foundation’s website to increase my knowledge of all the Foundation does. I am happy to be a donor.”

Simona Mangini, Scandicci, Italy (P587)

Enjoy this beautiful photo of our new Contributing Photographer, Simona Mangini!

Simona comments, “It is a wonderful experience. Thanks to you!”

Molly Shwiff, Switzerland (P586)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Molly Shwiff!

Molly comments, “Soon after arriving to Italy as a study abroad student, I learned that I had the opportunity to intern for Healing Photo Art, an amazing foundation with a mission very close to my heart. Elaine’s goal of bringing healing to patients and easing anxiety for those in healthcare settings is something that means a lot to me. After recently visiting my grandma in hospitals and then hospice, some of the most special memories we shared together were talking about the beautiful nature photographs that hung on the walls of her rooms. I saw the peace and happiness that just these photos brought, even when she was in pain, and I now have a newfound appreciation for these beautiful photographs in healthcare settings. Elaine is one of the most genuine and caring people that I have met, and she shows us, through all the amazing work she does, what it means to truly help others. I am so thankful that I get the opportunity to contribute to the mission of Healing Photo Art.”

Mike Garlit, Illinois USA (P551L)

Enjoy this relaxing forest photo taken in Illinois by our Contributing Photographer, Mike Garlit!

Mike comments, “I am deeply honored and blessed to have this opportunity to share another of my images of God’s creation with those who might find some comfort during difficult times. The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals is a wonderful organization, and I pray for the continued success of their mission.”

Ismail Moideen, Arabian Desert, Dubai (P585)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Ismail Moideen, from Dubai!

Ismail comments, “If my photos will help to heal people, I will be so happy to share all my pictures, full support from my side.  Thank you and take care yourself also while taking care of other people.”

Pamela Uchtmann, Arkansas USA (P584)

Enjoy this stunning photo taken by our new Contributing Photographer, Pamela Uchtmann!

Careggi Hospital Photo Project in Florence, Italy

We recently completed a project of 40 nature photos in the Intensive Care Units in Careggi Hospital.  Many thanks to our Contributing Photographers who make this possible!