The Power of Art
In a very fundamental way, creative work is tied to our sense of being vital, alive and healthy. Physical illness brings suffering not only in the body, but also in the mind and spirit.
Read More...What We Do
Art allows children to express what they may not be able to speak about-fear, isolation, anger and loss. Through art and play therapy young cancer patients and their families learn to cope with the emotional stress and trauma associated with their disease and its treatment.
Read More...Normal Kids, Extraordinary Challenges
Young cancer patients must face extraordinary challenges. Not only must they endure surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, they must also give up many things most kids take for granted.
Read More...Building Community
Children do not come to the clinic alone: they bring parents and guardians, siblings and other relatives and sometimes even friends. We invite each patient’s caregivers to participate in the Open Studio program, to help reduce their anxiety and provide new avenues for understanding and support.
Read More...What our kids and families have to say
We offer comments from our kids and their families, reflecting on their experiences in the Tracy's Kids Art Therapy Program.
Read More...Elephant Wisdom
In 2002, the District of Columbia hosted a public art exhibit called Party Animals. Artists from all over the area were invited to submit designs to decorate an elephant or donkey-the symbols of our two main political parties.
Read More...Annual Art Exhibit
Each year we have an exhibit of patient artwork in the Lombardi Atrium. Our 2007-2008 exhibit included a giant silk hoop mobile, titled “I Believe I can Fly!” It was so popular that it remains on display in the Lombardi Atrium. We also helped refresh the Hall of Heroes at Children’s National Medical Center in 2007. Included in the new installation is an ongoing art exhibited on the theme “The Hero’s Journey.” Past exhibits have included photographs and writing, tabletop fountains in stoneware, picture quilts, life-size self-portrait sculptures and woodworking.
Read More...Honors, Awards, and Publications
Ms. Councill was awarded the American Art Therapy's Clinician Award in 2003 for her work in the Tracy's Kids Art Therapy Program.
Read More...“The Tracy 's Kids Art Therapy Program has managed to provide a measure of comfort and well-being in the terrifying world of children's cancer.”Mother of a 15-year-old boy
News
You Gotta Have Art
Tracy's Kids was featured in the Washington Post on April 8.
Events
Tracy's Kids Red Carpet Fundraiser, February 12, 2008!
On the evening of Tuesday, February 12, 2008--right in the heart of Hollywood's awards season--"Tracy's Kids" will take over the Regal Theatre Gallery ...
Read More...How you Can Help
Individuals and groups may make financial and in-kind donations in support of this important work.
Read More...Art Therapy Research
Under the auspices of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center's new Neuro-Oncology Division, we launched an art based research study with childhood cancer survivors in the fall of 2006. The study, titled Bridges to Art Therapy, is designed to help childhood cancer survivors relate their experiences in a multi-dimensional way. For more information, or to inquire about enrolling in the study, click on the link below.
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