Premier Arts Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of art, has partnered with Prisma Health’s Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital in Greenville to provide therapeutic art workshops. These workshops are designed to aid in the holistic recovery of patients dealing with various conditions such as spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, and more.
Art as a Path to Healing
The initiative, which began in March, offers bi-monthly workshops that allow patients, caregivers, and staff to engage in creative activities that complement traditional therapies. Elizabeth DuBose, the hospital’s administrator, emphasized the importance of supporting the whole person in the rehabilitation process. “Partnering with Premier Arts Collective allows us to integrate creativity and self-expression into the healing process in a meaningful way,” she stated.
The workshops were inspired by Brad Carraway, a therapeutic art facilitator, and his daughter Katarina, who became a patient at Roger C. Peace following a traumatic accident. Brad initially began offering art-themed events for his daughter’s support group, which eventually led to the creation of a broader inpatient program.
Music Therapy in Action
Alison Hughey, a board-certified music therapist, led a recent workshop where patients participated in singing and playing instruments, aligning with their physical therapy goals. Ken Hurt, a stroke patient, shared his positive experience, noting the camaraderie and normalcy the workshop provided. “It helps remind you that this is semi-normal,” Hurt remarked, highlighting the uplifting nature of the sessions.
Premier Arts Collective serves various communities across Upstate South Carolina, including survivors of sexual assault and underserved children. Logan Rice, the organization’s vice president, expressed hope for the continuation and expansion of these programs, stating, “The arts are so versatile, and in environments like this at Roger C. Peace, there are just so many ways they can be beneficial to this population.”
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
