The program advisors at Mercy Hospital believe that art is a good form of healing, so they have provided survivors of diseases and illnesses with a workshop that can help them cope and better relax in a safe environment.

Program advisor Sister Sherry Dolan has been a part of the Art for Healing program since its inception two years ago in November.

“Our whole idea is that varied forms of art can lead to healing on some level. Different art forms enhance person’s feelings of well-being. They may not have articulated, but they feel it,” Dolan explained.

The program has a multitude of workshops that are offered on different days of the week. The Open Studio is where you choose your own activity that usually happens on Wednesdays. There is also Painting Free For All, Your Creative Muse and A Time to Write, just to name a few of them.

The center was formerly a church chapel and now is used by the program as the center of their healing arts.

“I think we are providing really wonderful service. We are even trying to coordinate with veterans at Bakersfield College to implement a mental health workshop or program,” Dolan said.

On Nov. 12, the Art for Healing workshop had a potpourri ball workshop where the tables were set up with different arts and crafts needed for the balls. The program advisor for the potpourri workshop, Judith Campanero, is from Hanford, Calif. and has been a facilitator for about one year now.

“I think its food for thought, a stress reliever. This is where you find a place to be safe and can be yourself,” Campanero said.

The workshop also had oil paintings for sale. The profits would go to the Sisters of Mercy organization which correlates with the Art for Healing program. “Our dream is to have it open for everyone,” said Campanero.

A lot of people that had attended these workshops told Campanero that the program is really a healing place.

They feel better and they love the atmosphere, and the fact that creativity is not limited.

Rose Lester, a program volunteer, was invited to be a part of creative counsel almost two years ago and helped design the programs. She sets up the former chapel for presenting on Nov. 12 and all the other workshops.

The program also provides an Art Cart for patients at Mercy. The volunteers go room-to-room and bring the art supplies for the patients to use if they aren’t mobile.

The center has goals to continue expanding and incorporating new workshops for the community.