Cancer patients become artists in Kennedy Cancer Center's 'Art Discovery' class

Artist Mary Walsh shares her talent with cancer patients at Kennedy Cancer Center's Center for Hope and Healing.

Sometimes something beautiful can come from something challenging.

For cancer patients and survivors who attend Mary Walsh's Art Discovery class through the Center for Hope and Healing at Kennedy Cancer Center, that something beautiful can be matted and framed.

Walsh, an artist and art teacher, visits the Washington Township facility once a week for an hour and a half and instructs participants in drawing and painting in many different mediums including charcoal, watercolors, colored pencils, pen and ink and more

"My classes are always relaxed," Walsh said. "I make it so it's a supportive, playful atmosphere. So, when I started doing this, I just fell into doing what I normally do. I really enjoy it."

Cancer patients, either past or present, can sign up for the class through Kennedy Health and create works of art while receiving the benefits of art therapy through Walsh's instruction.

The course is continuous, so students can join in at anytime.

"I've been painting since the '80s," said Rose Marie Lombardo, who has been taking Walsh's class for nearly a year. "But I never knew how to draw. People think you have to know how to draw to paint, but you don't. I'm learning to draw and I'm pretty impressed with myself."

Lombardo was working on a portrait of her granddaughter that very much resembles a photograph of the girl.

"I can not believe I'm doing this stuff," she said.

Walsh said many of her students say the same thing.

"I say, 'You had it in you all the time,'" she said. "But I tell them I don't really teach, I just provide an atmosphere for creativity."

However, her students feel she does teach them how to create art as well as how to appreciate their talent.

"She makes us all feel special," said student Yvonne Brooks.

MORE: Bianca's Kids 'Granted' web series provides front row seat for watching dreams come true

Walsh -- who has been an artist for many years -- realized just how therapeutic art can be when she went through a medical procedure herself.

"I had both of my knees replaced six weeks apart," she said.

While she was in the hospital, she had a hard time reading, but had a sketch pad with her and reaped the benefits of art therapy.

"I drew the entire time and saw how beneficial it was for me," Walsh said.

For cancer patients, Walsh said the benefit of creating art comes from the ability to forget real life for a while and immerse your thoughts in your work.

"When you're doing (art), your brain is in a different place," Walsh said. "But expressing yourself artistically, I can tell what the patient is going through by what they are doing. Different emotions come through their work."

For the first time, artwork created by Art Discovery class students will be displayed at an art show during Kennedy's 6th annual Tree of Lights Remembrance Celebration on Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. at Kennedy Cancer Center, 900 Medical Drive in Sewell.

The art show will be on the second floor of the Kennedy Cancer Center and will remain on exhibit through December.

The Art Discovery class is ongoing as opposed to a set course, so students can join at anytime.

For more information and to register for Art Discovery, call 856-582-3008 or visit www.kennedyhealth.org/classes-and-events/cancer-center-classes.html.