Artist-in-Residence Program

Creative Cancer Therapy

Methodist Richardson Cancer Center Artist-in-Residence Program serves as artistic outlet for cancer patients

Laura Johnson says she isn’t artistic. Her creations during chemotherapy treatments at the Methodist Richardson Cancer Center say otherwise.

Diagnosed with breast cancer the day after Christmas 2012, she found a welcome distraction in the center’s Artist-in-Residence program.

“Art is personal,” says artist in residence Katherine Baronet. She spends her days rolling a cart of supplies through the center’s infusion room, creating beautiful works of art with patients. “I’m able to connect and build friendships with these patients. I think art helps people relax, and it takes the edge off the thought of being ill.”

Laura Johnson (right) praises the Methodist
Richardson Cancer Center for her exceptional care:
“I felt supported, and the wonderful staff worked
to address how cancer was affecting every aspect
of my life.”

Providing a canvas

“Katherine is so kind, creative, and encouraging,” Johnson says. “She makes creating art easy and shows you how fun it is to be creative. The pieces we created instilled a lot of pride and joy in me when I really needed it.” The Artist-in-Residence program came to the Cancer Center in June 2012 through a Livestrong® Foundation Community Impact Project grant. The program aims to help patients, their families, and caregivers discover their own creative resources as antidotes to the fear, isolation, and boredom that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Works on display

Patient-created works of art are displayed throughout the center, and the Methodist Richardson Medical Center gift shop now sells patient-created art note cards, with the proceeds benefiting the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation.

Johnson hopes patients can experience the same benefits of the program that she did.

“I’ve seen firsthand the positive effects of the Artist-in-Residence program, and I want to ensure it helps others,” Johnson says. “I found one way of doing that is by donating art supplies.”

Making a masterpiece

The Livestrong Foundation’s grant expired in July 2013, but the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation committed to funding the Artist-in-Residence program for another year. To lend your help to this program, visit the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation.