News

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!

Myra Xu, Norway (P582)

Many thanks to Myra Xu, our new Contributing Photographer, for her lovely photo!

Myra comments, “I found Healing Photo Art when I was studying abroad in Florence, looking for an opportunity to engage with local culture and make a positive impact. The prospect of using my photography to bring comfort, hope, and healing to individuals in local hospitals resonated deeply with my values and professional goals. Elaine’s kindhearted nature and genuine compassion also shone through in every interaction I’ve had with her as a student intern and contributing photographer, fostering a sense of purpose and community that fuels our collective efforts. I am so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this amazing organization!”

Nicolo’ Petrocchi, Lucca, Italy (P580)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Nicolo’ Petrocchi!

Nicolo’ comments, “As a high school student passionate about photography, I saw my passions for nature and photography embodied by the Healing Photo Art Foundation’s mission. Elaine and I personally met to discuss the possibility of me becoming a contributing photographer. Having submitted my photos, officially becoming a contributing photographer and presenting the foundation to my school was not the best part. My favorite thing is being overwhelmed with joy every time Elaine tells me about my pictures being requested and patients telling her how much they like my photos. This foundation is something different, unprecedented in its mission and obliging with the community, especially with those people in physical or mental agony who need to find relief and, what better way than to let them experience the beauty and colors of our Earth through their own eyes?”

Marco Alexander Rodriguez, Florida USA (P583)

Many thanks to Marco Alexander Rodriguez, our new Contributing Photographer, for his lovely photo!

Marco comments, “I had always wondered where the art in hospitals came from. After conducting some research, I discovered this foundation for Photos and art in Hospitals. I admired the foundation’s mission to give comfort and hope to patients, families, and caretakers. Photography is an activity I enjoy doing in my free time. I did not know that my pictures could help others until I stumbled across Ms. Elaine Poggi’s website, where I was able to become a contributing photographer and donate my image with ease. I am thankful to her and the foundation for giving me the opportunity to make my everyday hobby of taking pictures become so much more.”

Sierra Sinclair Stanford, North Carolina USA (P581)

Welcome to Sierra Sinclair Stanford, our new Contributing Photographer!

Sinclair comments, “Elaine’s story is beautiful, and this is an amazing organization. When I found the Healing Photo Art website, I admired their mission and was fascinated by the beautiful pictures in the galleries. I emailed Elaine inquiring on how to be a contributing photographer. Elaine responded quickly and within a week my photo was accepted into the Healing Photo Art gallery. I look forward to contributing more photos to and spreading the world about The Foundation for Photo Art in Hospitals!”