Healing and caring for the whole person is our mission at St. Joseph Healthcare. We passionately believe art helps healing. One especially inspiring approach St. Joseph Healthcare has taken to help heal is to consistently evolve its Healing Arts Program. 

The program is supported by the Healing Arts Commission, a dedicated group of community volunteers, including Deb Dall, Jean Deighan, Mary Hollister, Kathy Lena, Miki MacDonald, Katie Schaffer and Jeff Wahlstrom. It focuses on: 

• Partnering with the community on various creative projects

• Enhancing the hospital’s environment by displaying art and sharing music

• Improving patients’ experience by bringing art into rooms 

• Encouraging Maine artists to showcase their artwork on campus

• Hosting four annual art shows at The Gallery at 900 Broadway 

• Promoting virtual art openings to accommodate the community 

• “Displaying art, opening exhibits and hosting musicians is a powerful way for St. Joseph Healthcare to bring the community together,” shares Katie Schaffer, a founding member of the committee. “As soon as artwork is hung and an exhibit opens, or a performance begins, it is readily appreciated by patients, family members, visitors and staff. It’s our pleasure to offer access to all sorts of beautiful art and an opportunity to reflect.”

Get Involved

The Healing Arts Program is 100% volunteer-led and donor-funded.

If you’d like to learn more, please visit stjosephbangor.org.