News

Bjorn Gillsater, Florence, Italy (P575)

Many thanks to Bjorn Gillsater, our new Contributing Photographer, for this amazing photo of Florence’s Duomo!

Bjorn comments, “Very inspiring and creative. It’s important to share the beauty of Florence and the inspiration that the rich cultural life gives, as a way to offer joy, hope and distraction.”

Linda Karins, Missouri USA (P574)

Enjoy this colorful sunflower photo by our new Contributing Photographer, Linda Karins!

Linda comments, “I stumbled upon the Healing Photo Art Foundation while reading our coworker newsletter at Mercy Hospital St. Louis and instantly knew I wanted to get involved! Nature found me during the darkest days of the pandemic, bringing light and hope to all my senses. I am so grateful for this opportunity to share a little part of myself that might just bring a sigh of peacefulness or a joyful memory to another person who may be feeling uncomfortable, alone at an uncertain time, and vulnerable. Thank you to Elaine Poggi for bringing her vision to life with this beautiful mission to soothe the soul through photo art! Elaine’s international project to encourage the healing properties of nature in hospital rooms throughout the world exemplifies what the pandemic taught us all – that we are forever interconnected.”

Sarah Grossen, Virginia USA (P573)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Sarah Grossen!

Sarah comments, “I am deeply honored that I get to share pieces from a hobby that heals me with an organization that is able to share it further to serve others. Right as I stumbled on the website, I knew that I wanted to be involved in the work that Healing Photo Art is doing. Thank you, Elaine, for the opportunity to contribute to the truly amazing mission to facilitate healing through art!”

Elsa Ganet, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France (P566)

Enjoy this lovely field of poppies by our new Contributing Photographer, Elsa Ganet!

Elsa comments, “I am honoured to have my work featured by the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals website and in the selection to be displayed in hospitals across the world. I’ve been an amateur photographer for over 13 years and I’m really proud to be able to contribute to this wonderful program and be able to help people in any way I can during such a difficult time. I found the Foundation through social media and instantly thought it was an amazing idea and I wanted to take part in any way I could. Elaine has been very kind, helpful and patient during all of the process!”

Jonathan Warren, Glendhu Bay, New Zealand (P567)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Jonathan Warren!

Jonathan comments, “I am absolutely honored to have my work included in the selection of pieces to be included in hospitals. Having been a photographer for years, I’ve always wondered what are the best ways to get my photos out into the world and help improve people’s day, and now I’ve found it. Elaine has created a wonderful non-profit with an amazing goal that is crucial to improve quality of care for patients! I’m so happy I stumbled upon her site while doing some research in wellness and was met with this opportunity.”

Yvonne Coyle, Massachusetts USA (P571)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Yvonne Coyle!

Yvonne comments, “I am so honored to have my photography used by the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals and to get the chance to help patients, and their families. When I read about this wonderful program helping people heal with art I thought that is such a good organization and I would love to be part of it by sharing some of my photography and a big thank you to Elaine for walking me through the process!”

Nivita Thomas, Virginia USA (P570)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Nivita Thomas.  Nivita is 15 years old, one of our youngest photographers!

Nivita comments, “Community work is always in my mind. Often times, I would think being just a school student how far I could go to be of service to others. During my summer vacation this year, I was just browsing casually and I stumbled upon this prestigious organization. I was in wonder when I learned that something like simple photos that we can contribute can impact and bring tremendous inward joy, calmness and peace into the hearts of people at the hospitals all across the world. I reached out to Elaine immediately. All I can say is she is the sweetest person and her messages back to me were so kind and genuine guiding me to send exactly what she needs to carry out this noble mission.
This is an awesome inspiring opportunity for young people like me. I cannot be physically there with every patient and medical professional in every hospitals but deep down in my heart I know that I have connected with each one of their hearts through Elaine’s foundation and contribute in a simple way that I can to encourage them. I look forward to keep contributing and working with Elaine.”

Elaine Poggi, Tuscany, Italy (C138)

Enjoy the beauty of this sunflower field in Tuscany!

William Vergonet, Georgia USA (P568)

Enjoy this lovely photo of our new Contributing Photographer, William Vergonet!

William comments, “I use photography as a release and / or a therapy of sorts.  I have a stressful career and photography allows me a chance to break away from that daily and focus on beautiful things and moments. Photography helps me and so I am extremely excited and honored, to have my work used by the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals. Just the thought that one of my images can maybe help in someone’s recovery , or help in any way, is just out of this world an amazing feeling. I really love what Elaine is doing here and want to support the foundation in any way I can. “

Caitlin Garvey, Virginia USA (P562)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Caitlin Garvey!

Caitlin comments, “I am so grateful to have found Elaine and the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals. When my parents were in hospitals, we discovered first-hand how important nature is to the healing process. The peace and comfort derived from nature is critical at all times, but especially so in hospitals and other such institutions. My personal experience led me to try to find a way to get my images into hospitals as a means of helping other families, and I was so happy to discover the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals. I am honored to have my work included in such a mission to bring healing photo art to hospitals around the world.”

Larry Baumgardt, Florida USA (P564)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Larry Baumgardt!

Larry comments, “After over 50 years, I recently re-connected with one of my Northwestern college roommates. Photography then and now is my passion and I shared some of my photographs with Louis. He suggested that I connect with his friend Elaine Poggi, president of the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals. She requested some sample images, and then asked for a few that she had selected. I had never heard of her organization, but the more I learned the more impressed I became. I am pleased and proud to play a small role in such a worthy charity.”

Bella O’Rourke, Amalfi, Italy (P565)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Bella O’Rourke!

Bella comments, “I was an intern this summer with the Foundation and had an amazing experience. I was lucky to work alongside Elaine Poggi, who was a great mentor and boss. The foundation has enhanced my skills in social media content creation along as expanded my knowledge on photography.”

Barbara C Phillips, Missouri USA (P563)

Many thanks to Barbara C Phillips, our new Contributing Photographer!

Barbara comments, “I don’t remember exactly how I found the Foundation, I believe another photographer mentioned it. But I was immediately on board. Having worked in healthcare as an RN and as a Nurse Practitioner for over 30 years, I am intimately familiar with how light, color, and design can impact my patients’ mood and ultimately well being. This is true no matter the setting…from hospitals to clinics, to therapy offices. In fact, many of my images today are created with a therapeutic environment in mind. I appreciate being able to contribute.”

Julia Robak, Virginia USA (P561)

Welcome to Julia Robak, our new Contributing Photographer!

Julia comments, “I found the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals while searching for meaningful ways to share my photography and was immediately impressed! I contacted Elaine and she was very kind and helpful, and extremely quick to respond. My career has me working inside the walls of a hospital and I grew up volunteering in one as well so I know that the institutional feeling inside these places can be less than comforting. I am glad to be able to contribute art to this cause and hopefully bring someone a bit of peace during a difficult time.”

Sarah Kohrs, West Virginia USA (P560)

Many thanks to Sarah Kohrs, our new Contributing Photographer!

Sarah comments, “Art has a cathartic impact on those that make it and those that view. The mission of Healing Photo Art aligns with so many aspects of the creative arts that I hold dear: from encouraging others to fostering an appreciation for nature. I’m grateful to have an outlet for my photographic art that promotes positive connection and inspiring impact. Thanks, Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals!”

Jasminemichael Vest, Virginia USA (P559)

Welcome to Jasminemichael Vest, our new Contributing Photographer!

Jasmine comments, “Last year my husband was diagnosed with Cancer and the hospital became our family. Now that he is cancer free I wanted to find a way to give back to the hospitals and give back that warmth and comfort that was given to us.”

Anna Eiland, Croatia (P558)

Many thanks to Anna Eiland, our new Contributing Photographer, for her lovely photo!

Anna comments, “When I decided to study abroad, one of my main goals was to get outside my comfort zone and connect with my new community. Luckily, my university in Florence offered to connect me with a local organization. I was paired with Healing Photo Art, and I have been amazed by the work that Elaine and her team do here. I aspire to become a Physician’s Assistant, and this organization provided the perfect opportunity for me to combine my passions of medicine and volunteering. I have been able to use my unique interests and passions to help the organization. I especially enjoyed creating a video pairing the photographs from Elaine and contributing photographers with harp music created by Amy Camie. Elaine is one of the most caring, genuine, and motivated people that I have had the chance to work with, and this experience has been one of my favorite parts about studying abroad. I hope to continue working with the foundation when I return home. Thank you Elaine for making this such a memorable and meaningful experience!”

Charlotte Colella, Interlaken, Switzerland (P554)

Welcome to Charlotte Colella, our new Contributing Photographer!

Charlotte comments, “Throughout my life I always had a great appreciation for art, especially its use as a therapeutic outlet. As I entered higher education, majoring in psychology and minoring in creative arts therapy, I was able to further my interests and gain a greater perspective on how art is used as a tool to heal. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Elaine, The Foundation for Photo/ Art in Hospitals, and to work with an art-focused nonprofit. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to share research and my own photography with others, it has been such a rewarding experience. During my time with the Foundation, Elaine’s dedication definitely stands out. Her mission of making individuals more at peace during their time in the hospital is so inspiring. Her sincerity and care for all the interns is heartwarming and has helped me feel more at home during my time studying abroad. I am looking forward to continuing my work with the foundation for the rest of my semester!”

Naseeha Ahmad, Alberta, Canada (P555)

Enjoy this photo of our new Contributing Photographer, Naseeha Ahmad.

Naseeha comments, “As soon as I had made the decision to study abroad during my last semester of college I knew I wanted to get involved in the local community somehow. Fortunately for me, the school I was going to in Florence had a list of organizations that they partner with to help students get involved. As I was scrolling through the list, it was Elaine’s Healing PhotoArt foundation that caught my eye immediately. It seemed like fate because I realized that I could combine my love for photography and passion for medicine to help people in their process of healing. Joining the foundation as a photography intern is definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. Elaine is such a warm, generous, and helpful person. Her passion and determination in all aspects are truly inspiring. I also loved playing a part in healing that was so different from the traditional focus of medical treatment. Elaine’s foundation has and continues to do amazing work, and I can’t wait to continue on this journey with her. Thank you for all that you do, Elaine! You’re truly so inspiring!”

Saijal Vacek, Alberta, Canada (P553)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Saijal Vacek. Enjoy her lovely photo!

Saijal comments, “I interned for Elaine at Healing Photo Art in Florence this past semester and am so grateful I could be a part of her nonprofit. Seeing behind the scenes of all the work that goes into it was eye-opening. The power of the art that people donate is incredible and to see firsthand the impact it is making in people’s lives is inspiring. Elaine loves to help people and spread unique photography around the world and I know she wouldn’t want to do anything else with her time. Her charm and gentile caring heart were a joy to be around. I am also a contributing photographer and can’t wait to continue to donate my images to the foundation! This has been such a rewarding and heartfelt internship. Although I am sad to go back to Minnesota I am excited to keep in touch and have connections through this incredible foundation. Thanks again Elaine for all you have done and continue to do.”

Rob Haynes, United Kingdom (P557)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Rob Haynes, for his photo of a swan taking off!

Rob comments, “I was very impressed with the Foundation’s work in providing PhotoArt on a global scale to Hospitals and healthcare facilities who benefit from having inspirational imagery within the hospital environment.

Maile Souza Bruno, Washington USA (P556)

Enjoy this amazing reflection photo by Maile Souza Bruno, our new Contributing Photographer!

Maile comments, “Working as a nurse in multiple hospitals in Oregon I have seen first hand the impact a hospital environment has on healing and recovery both physically and mentally. I have been passionate about landscape and adventure/travel photography for over a decade, and am excited to share my photographs that embody calm, peace, and connection with the elements. Sharing and promoting these qualities in hospitals worldwide and making nature accessible to all is truly nurturing and grounding to the soul. Thank you to Elaine for bringing this foundation into being!”

Mike Garlit, Illinois USA (P551)

Many thanks to Mike Garlit, our new Contributing Photographer, for his sunflower photo!

Mike comments, “I first learned about the Foundation for Photos/Art in Hospitals from a friend in church. The organization’s mission to place uplifting landscape art in hospitals and clinics around the world, lifting the spirits of patients and their families in what is often a seemingly cold and impersonal environment, is inspiring. I was honored to be asked to contribute to their offering and pray my work may help those who need some encouragement.”

Denny Bucci, Palawan, Philippines (P550)

Enjoy this magnificent photo of our new Contributing Photographer, Denny Bucci!

Denny comments, “It was an absolutely wonderful experience supporting the hard work of a lifelong dear friend of my mothers and our family for such a heartwarming cause. It truly makes my heart warm knowing that a photograph taken last month in the Philippines can provide warmth and strength to individuals across the world.”