News

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.”

Richard Brett, London, England (P552)

Many thanks to Richard Brett, our new Contributing Photographer, for his lovely photo!

Richard comments, “I saw a post about the Foundation – and its work – on Linked In from a former colleague.  This seemed to me to be a very worthwhile cause and so I provided a photo to the foundation, because I think the work they are doing is inspiring.

We live in a beautiful world and to see nature in all its glory can be a deeply spiritual experience.  When you are in hospital, you need to feel uplifted and inspired. Photographs of the natural world can help and I hope that, in some small way, I can contribute to people feeling that way.

Working with Elaine to provide a photo was very enjoyable. She made it all very easy and I would certainly recommend – and encourage – other people to do the same.”

Kevin Robert Grinder, California USA (P543)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Kevin Robert Grinder, for his lovely photo!

Kevin comments, “I hope that by donating my art work through Healing Photo Art, it will bring happiness or hope to someone in a hospital, or care center. I also pray as well it brings fond memories of better days, or even inspires them for hope for the future.”

Tammy Liao, New Hampshire USA (P549)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Tammy Liao, from Singapore!

Tammy comments, “I learned about The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals through a dear family. I’ve loved traveling and taking photos since a teen and the mission of Elaine’s has provided people like me a platform to share the positivity, serenity, and wonder of nature through our passion for photography.

I am honored to have worked with this caring organization. It is amazing to know that my photographs may be of help and comfort to people who are going through a hard time.”

Anna Pivi, Lisse, Netherlands (P547)

Many thanks to Anna Pivi, from Agliana, Italy, for her lovely tulips photo!

Anna commenta, “Bellissima esperienza. Elaine è molto gentile, precisa ed organizzata. Sono felice che una delle mie foto possa abbellire una qualsiasi corsia di ospedale e renderla meno squallida.
Grazie davvero.”

David Swasko, Michigan USA (P544)

Enjoy this lovely photo by our new Contributing Photographer, David Swasko!

David comments, ““Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” – Mother Teresa. As part of my work a few years ago, I began searching online listings for “alternative healing modalities” in hospitals and Hospices, and discovered the “Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals”. What a pleasant (and fortuitous!) surprise. I first met Elaine Poggi, founder of the foundation, over 50 years ago. I knew back even then, she had a heart of gold and generous giving spirit. Fast forward 50 years and we have since reconnected via this incredible project. I have been amazed to learn the geographical extent, significance and meaningful impact the project has had toward fulfilling the Foundation’s goal and mission of “humanizing healthcare environments.” Hippocrates famously said, “Physicians Treat, Nature Heals”. Individually, every picture is a “small thing”, and yet it conveys each photographer’s gratitude and witness to its captured beauty…and coveys and shares to the viewer the inherent healing potential of nature. Collectively, all the “little” pictures make this project a “great thing”, by healing the heart and soul of its viewer and environments. I hope my foto contributes to that goal. I shoot mostly in a state of wonder and awe whenever in a wilderness area. I think Mother Teresa and Hippocrates would both agree that this project is preeminently from, and for, healing the heart…and that the project is in fact accomplishing “a great thing!” A true work of heArt!”

Nanda Bussers, Altweerterheide, Netherlands (P548)

Welcome to our new Contributing Photographer, Nanda Bussers!

Nanda comments, “Thank you Elaine Poggi for inviting me to contribute to the mission of The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals. I sincerely hope my nature photographs capturing some little snowdrops will be a valuable asset in the collection.

The mission of The Foundation is perfectly aligned with my personal drivers behind my company “Comfort Art”. With my Photo Art I hope to offer comfort and give warmth in those more difficult times that everyone has or will experience, as well as to create a positive moment (of time) in a person’s life.

When I recently discovered The Foundation on the Internet, I’ve immediately send an email to Elaine Poggi with a selection of my nature photos. Elaine responded quickly and very welcoming to the emails. Hopefully my Photo Art can give healing and comfort to many others throughout the world, as it already did in the Netherlands.”

Giacomo Maria Pivi, Vallombrosa, Italy (P545)

Many thanks to our new Contributing Photographer, Giacomo Maria Pivi!

Giacomo comments, “Sono contento che possa questa immagine alleviare un po’ il dolore delle persone…”

Holly Ponto, Minnesota USA (P540)

Welcome to Holly Ponto, our new Contributing Photographer, from Minnesota!

Holly comments, “My name is Holly and I am a contributing photographer. I have been doing photography since 2016, but recently found Elaine’s foundation through a professional connection (college professor). I love doing nature photography, and am glad I found people who are also interested. Elaine’s foundation has provided a lovely outlet to supply photography to hospitals around the world.”

Destiny Murphree, Alabama USA (P538)

Many thanks to Destiny Murphree, our new Contributing Photographer, for her lovely photo!

Destiny comments, “I was able to donate some of my art work to this non profit to be hung in hospitals. It feels amazing for my art to help someone else and be hung in a hospital for thousands to see. My hard work has paid off and it’s just amazing that my art is helping others. It’s now hung in Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn New York.”

Gabriele Gori, Alpe Giumello, Italy (P541)

Enjoy this lovely photo of Gabriele Gori, our new Contributing Photographer!

Gabriele comments, “Very often I have felt disarmed in front of the condition of a sick person (a friend, a child, a grandfather) who has to face cancer, something that suddenly and radically changes your perspectives on life, and forces you to spend many hours in the hospital, with the hope that the terrible disease can be defeated. Talking with a friend of mine, who is a musician and deals with therapeutic music, I learned that even the vision of particular images can give relief to a sick person: I then discovered on the internet the Foundation and the important work done by Elaine Poggi. I immediately contacted her and after a pleasant conversation I sent her a photo. Today I am proud to know that it was printed and donated to a hospital in NY and that, I hope, it will give some patients a moment of serenity … Thank you Elaine!”

Veronica Martin Gancedo, Ionian Islands, Greece (P542)

Welcome to Veronica Martin Gancedo, our new Contributing Photographer!

Veronica comments, “I am a big follower of Danae Mercer Ricci and Nico’s life beautiful love journey and how they speak the truths of social media VS reality, but also how they inspire us to love ourselves every day.
Following her stories, they mentioned The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals as a part of Nico’s family in one of the hospitals in Florence, Italy.
I checked the website and started to follow the account instantly, as documentary photography is one of my greatest passions and their wish to change the environment of hospitals with a ray of sunshine through art for people to heal is definitely worth to support and even more to contribute!
To say also, communication with Elaine is great. She is passionate and helpful about her work!”

Chiara Piccardi, Tuscany, Italy (P539)

Grazie a Chiara Piccardi, Contributing Photographer, per la sua bellissima foto!

Chiara ha commentato, “Bellissima iniziativa per regalare un po’ di sole in un momento della vita delle persone.
Elaine gentilissima e disponibile.”

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.”