The Art of Healing

Donated Penguin Sculptures Comfort Children

Benjamin Hehn of Andreas has received cystic fibrosis care from the Pediatric Specialty Center at LVH—Muhlenberg since he was just weeks old. During his last visit, Hehn, now 2, saw a welcome surprise: penguins. The sculptures are a donation from the Philip and Muriel Berman Foundation. “They add to the Center’s cheerfulness,” says Hehn’s mother, Amy. “Benjamin loves them.”

The display of art in health care settings is proven to create a healing, lower-stress environment. Research has shown that the rate of healing and the morale of hospital staff increases dramatically with the display of suitably-themed art. Today, dozens of hospitals across the country acquire and display art for the benefit of their patients and caregivers.

For almost twenty years, Lehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network has collected and exhibited contemporary art with a focus on regional artists. The permanent collection, displayed throughout the Network, features original paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, glass, and textiles. A large portion of the permanent collection, which includes about 300-400 works, has been donated.

Please click here for a selection of works from the collection and for more information on supporting the healing arts at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

We would be delighted to speak with you about donations of art or funding in support of our arts programming. Please contact Dr. Christine I. Oaklander, Arts Coordinator, at Christine.Oaklander@lvh.com or 610-402-8749.

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