News

Percy Chang, Lovestad, Sweden (P535)

Enjoy this colorful photo by our new Contributing Photographer, Percy Chang!

Percy comments, “Talking about being a positive force, Elaine has brought together a community of talented photographers and attached their photos and art with a beautiful purpose. I am so inspired! Every photo in the collection of the Healing Photo Art Foundation communicates hope and connection and is ready for its mission: to enhance the environment of hospitals around the globe and uplift the spirits of those who are there. I feel truly blessed to take part in this meaningful and wonderful project!”

Peace and love, Percy Chang

Kenneth Wagner, Belize (P536)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Kenneth Wagner!  Enjoy his beautiful photo, ‘Breaking Waves’!

Kenneth comments, “I found out about this organization through a dear friend. I’ve loved taking photos since a teen and could afford my first Instamatic. Work and business put most of my hobby on the back burner for years. In the last few years we finally began traveling and my love of photography was rekindled. When I learned about the possibility of sharing my passion with hospitals and maybe giving patients or their families a brighter day I couldn’t wait to submit a few photos. I’ve seen these types of photos on the walls of hospitals in St. Louis and always wondered where they came from. Now I know and will be thrilled if any of my photographs can make someone smile or make them forget their pain for just a while. At my age, giving something back to others makes me smile. Thank you Elaine and your organization for all that you do.”

Jeffrey Steefel, Hawaii USA (P537)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Jeffrey Steefel, for his lovely photo!

Jeffrey comments, “I have long been looking for a way to put my landscape photography to good use by donating images for hospitals and places of healing and have found it surprisingly difficult. In searching, I discovered the foundation which does exactly that! I have unfortunately spend a lot of time in hospitals with ailing family members dealing with cancer and the surroundings can feel sterile and anything that brings the beauty of nature to the environment is a blessing. I find nature personally healing and photography has always been a way to get out and appreciate the beauty all around us. I am grateful to this organization for everything they do.”

Photo by Elaine Poggi of Florence, Italy

 20 years ago The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals was incorporated as a 501(c)3 USA nonprofit. I created it to honor my mother, who spent her last months in the hospital. I have put my heart and soul into placing beautiful nature photos in hospitals around the world. Many thanks to our 440 Contributing Photographers, to our Board of Directors and International Board of Advisors, to our interns, volunteers, and donors. It is because of you that we have placed 10,402 photos in hospitals on all 7 continents! Please donate whatever you can to keep our work expanding into the future. Thank you so much!!

Niccolo’ Azzali, Tuscany, Italy (P534)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Niccolo’ Azzali.  Many thanks for his lovely photo taken in Tuscany.

Niccolo’ comments, “My name is Niccolò Azzali, I am an amateur photographer from Firenze.
I noted this amazing project in the Careggi hospital in Firenze and immediately I would have liked be part of it.
I contacted Elaine and she replied me in short time, she was very kind and available to give me all the information.”

I am very happy that now three of my photos are part of this Foundation.

Marco Gabbuggiani, Lucca, Italy (P533)

Benvenuto al nostro nuovo Contributing Photographer, Marco Gabbuggiani, da Florence, Italy!  Ha scattato questa bellissima foto a Lucca, Italy.

Cinzia Masseti, Florence, Italy (P532)

Grazie, Cinzia, per la tua bella foto fatto a Firenze del Palazzo Vecchio!

Cinzia commenta, “Donare una foto alla fondazione mi ha riempito il ❤ un semplice gesto per una grande causa. Grazie Elaine.”

Larisa Crockett, Meteora, Greece (P531)

Thank you, Larisa Crockett, for your amazing photo taken in Greece!

Larisa comments, “When a photograph is taken it’s meant to be viewed by others. Isn’t that wonderful when it’s displayed in the facilities like hospitals where a lot of people are in need of beautiful thoughts and feelings that can be arisen by the art with a great benefit for mind and spirit. Visual art has a positive psychological effect on the brain and like many scientific studies show they help in healing and are equally beneficial to those who are healthy. I am very happy to find the Foundation and contribute into this noble cause.”

Sandra Jordan, Ersfjordbotn, Norway (P530)

Enjoy this amazing photo taken in Norway by our new Contributing Photographer Sandra Jordan!

Sandra comments, “I have always believed that photography can play a great role in enhancing environments to create a positive healing space so was thrilled when I came across the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals. I contacted Elaine and she responded very quickly and chose this Aurora photo I took in the Arctic. It was an extremely easy process and I am very happy to be working with the Foundation. It’s a lovely feeling to know that my work may be of benefit to someone when going through a difficult time. I can’t wait to see where my photo ends up.”

Michelle Deppe, Utah USA (P529)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Michelle Deppe, from Utah! Michelle comments, “I’m excited to share my nature photography and be a contributor to the foundation. I found out about the organization from another photographer on social media. I believe nature is healing and seeing uplifting images can bring solace.”

Dennis Frates, Hawaii USA (P527)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Dennis Frates, from Oregon. Enjoy his most amazing photo!

Nicole Thompson, Minnesota USA (P528)

Enjoy this lovely photo by our new Contributing Photographer, Nicole Thompson.

Nicole comments, “I lost my mother to Cancer in August of 2010 and knowing that this organization brings peace and happiness through Art to patients across the globe is incredible!”

Amelia Holt, Vernazza, Italy (P526)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Amelia Holt, for her lovely photo!

Amelia comments, “My time as an intern for the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals was, in one word, inspirational. Elaine Poggi understands the big impact of small things, which can be seen in all of her amazing work over the past 20 years. She took a small concept, combined it with passion and perseverance, and it has positively impacted all 7 continents!  Working with Elaine taught me and my fellow interns that no dream is too small or too big to do good in the world. Often times, inspirational stories make doing good seem unattainable. However, Elaine is so down-to-earth, so her story and work show how anyone can do anything, as long as they put their heart in it.”

Natalie Birnbaum, Georgia USA (P524)

Enjoy this colorful Dahlia photographed by our new Contributing Photographer, Natalie Birnbaum!

Natalie comments, “I took up photography as a hobby about 10 years ago after I retired from working in public health. When I am out capturing even a small part of nature’s abundant beauty, I notice all my worries disappear. Realizing how uplifting and peaceful it is to be out photographing nature and reflecting on my experiences in healthcare, I often wondered if there was a way to use my photography as a healing art. I recently did an internet search and discovered that the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals is doing just that! This special non-profit organization brings the healing power of nature to hospitals by sending them photo art to display on their walls and in patients’ rooms. I thought it was such a wonderful idea. Elaine Poggi, the Foundation’s founder and president, is a nature photographer herself. She uses her own photos and also relies on those donated by other photographers from around the world. It seemed like the perfect place for my nature photography. I contacted her to see if she was interested in my flower photos. Elaine was so responsive and easy to work with. She immediately replied to my email. I was thrilled she liked my photos and wanted to add one of them to the Foundation’s gallery. The process she created for sending her my photo was incredibly easy. I was surprised that my flower photo was in her gallery in just a few days. I’d be so honored if my photograph found a home in a hospital anywhere in the world. Especially if it lifted the spirits of the hospital’s patients, visitors, and staff. If you know anyone who photographs nature or beautiful locations, tell them to contact Elaine to donate their work and to check out her website to find out more about this extraordinary Foundation (https://healingphotoart.org).”

Randall Fountain, Arkansas USA (P525)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Randall Fountain, for his most amazing photo!

Randall comments, “I immediately felt my life had more meaning when I found Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals and got to talk with Elaine Poggi (Founder & President).  For years I wanted to create more meaning in my art. It has helped me when I was going through tough periods in my life as I got to go out into nature and experience some of the most beautiful sights. That’s where photography came in because I wanted to share the beauty of life with others so that they may experience a breath of fresh air during turbulent times.
Seeing how much it did for me during those periods, I thought about the people that don’t have much access to it that need it the most. After researching, I found this foundation that does exactly that by providing photos to Hospitals. A very well thought out vision that is driven towards helping others in that way. By choosing this step and getting to connect with Elaine, the Foundation, and others around the world through what I capture, I feel as if I am finding meaning again.
I feel that photos of nature can help soothe and calm the mind to allow the body to focus more energy towards itself where it is needed the most. Thus reducing anxiety, calmer rhythmic breathing, and a more balanced heart rate. Most people in a Hospital setting where there are walls around them are often blank with nothing to take focus on except the thoughts in their mind.
And talking to people that have been in a Hospital, the overall feeling and thoughts was “I am sick” but we can help change that by changing the environment even if it is helping a little. Maybe through being struck by an image that changes the feelings they have more to “I am healing.” That to me is leaps and bounds and the power of what art can do.
I hope anyone reading this can take the time to check out the Foundation and all of the other amazing artists and staff members that donated their time, energy, and art to make it possible. There are a lot of ways you can contribute even getting a local hospital by you to hang up pieces of art in which the Foundation can help.”

Nicholas J. Hall, Washington USA (P481)

Enjoy this peaceful photo of our Contributing Photographer, Nicholas J. Hall, taken in Washington!

Nicholas comments, “I stumbled upon this foundation kind of by accident. I am a hobby photographer and work full time in the medical field. I am so grateful for what this foundation does and what it stands for. I’m proud to be able to contribute to the healing process all over the world with something I hold so dear to me, and I hope with all of my heart I am able to provide some sort peace and comfort to those that need it. Even if it is something as little as a smile to brighten their world a little.”

Ardis Rezba Ligman, Florida USA (P318)

Many thanks to our Contributing Photographer, Ardis Rezba Ligman, for her beautiful photo!

Ardis comments, “A mutual friend of Elaine and myself suggested I submit a photo for review to Elaine for use in a hospital. It is then when I learned of the Foundation Elaine began to change the blank walls of hospital corridors to be filled with photography and change their intimidating personality to give beauty, peace, and comfort to people when they are most vulnerable walking hospital corridors. As a now retired trauma nurse, I used photography as a means to bring peace into my life beyond the chaos emergency medicine usually brings. Amateur photography has become a passion for me, to capture a special moment on paper. With our mutual friend’s encouragement, in 2015 I submitted a photo for Elaine to evaluate, it is now in three hospitals across the world. To know through this foundation you have given a part of yourself to them through your photograph . . . gave them a moment to pause . . . a moment to reevaluate . . . a moment to have peace . . . you know if even for a fleeting moment you have touched and changed someone’s life.

P517 Catherine Heffner, Maryland USA (P517)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Catherine Heffner, for her peaceful river photo!

Mark Dornblaser, Galapagos Islands (P523)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Mark Dornblaser! Enjoy his photo of these two blue-footed Boobies.

Mark comments, “I came across the Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals by accident on Facebook, and I immediately wanted to get involved. I am a landscape photographer, and I have wondered for years how I might donate my work to hospitals. I contacted Elaine Poggi, and worked with her to choose images that would be desirable for donation. It’s been an incredible experience, and I am overjoyed at the prospect of giving something back to the community.”

JoAnn H. Turner, North Carolina USA (P520)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, JoAnn H. Turner, for her colorful photo!

JoAnn comments, “I served as a caregiver for my parents and now caring for my sister who has autism. For years Mom and Dad were amazing with their talents. Dad was a craftsman while Mom shared her love for art. Art was what brought out the best in my sister, and when my aging parents were taken under our care, my joy was writing stories and displaying Sister’s pictures to lift their spirits and quality of life. I painted their home interior with happy colors, adding my sisters vibrant art. Our yard was a garden of colorful flowers, veggies and plants. Our loving parents are no longer with us, but my heart is content that my sister and I carried the torch of Mom and Dad’s creativity. I mentioned to a dear friend about finding out how I can share some of our photography and paintings with hospitals. Thus, the introduction to your wonderful foundation. I was elated. To have one of my works on display is truly an honor, knowing it may lift someone’s spirits while coping with illness of their own or someone they love . That’s one of the biggest accomplishments an artist can have –truly priceless. Many thanks to Founder Elaine Poggi–a true gem– for her selfless contribution and motivation for Photo/Art in Hospitals. Brava!
By all means join us on this fulfilling journey to lift smiles on faces, even during their most critical moment.”

Bruno Ghersi, Las Palmas, Peru (P519)

Enjoy this lovely photo taken in Peru by our new Contributing Photographer, Bruno Ghersi!

Bruno comments, “I found out about healing photo art by a friend. Their goal of bringing art and nature to hospitals is something I wanted to help with. Photography for me is more a hobby and being able to share my photos this way makes it all worth it.”

Elaine Poggi, The Maldive Islands (B100)

We are one of the first winners of a 2022 Top-Rated Award from @GreatNonprofits (#GreatNP2022)! Read inspiring stories about us and add your own! https://greatnonprofits.org/org/foundation-for-photo-art-in-hospitals

Michael P. Doyle, Colorado USA (P506)

“Hi Elaine!
You have just made my day, week, month and year! I want to cry because I’m so happy. The fact is, my photo going to children’s hospitals who serve children with disabilities makes it all the much better. I have a disability too. I looked at the website and what a fantastic place for my photo to be. I’m so grateful to you and your wonderful foundation. You have an awesome job!”

This was the response from Michael Doyle when I told him that his photo was sent to CURE Children’s Hospitals in Kenya, Malawi, and Ethiopia. Healing Photo Art rocks!❤️

Denise Barnhart, California USA (P518)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer Denise Barnhart from California!

Denise comments, “My mom is a retired registered nurse, so I thought it would be cool to get my photographs in a hospital. I know those patient rooms need some color! A quick search led me to Healing Photo Art. I was so excited when they chose to feature one of my images! What Elaine is doing is so important, not just to the well-being of patients and hospital workers, but to the livelihoods of photographers who need exposure. The validation and confidence boost are nice, too! Please support Healing Photo Art!”