Medicine for the Mind, Body, Soul…and Walls?

Art as Therapy Among Pieces Displayed at Baton Rouge General Café

Baton Rouge, La. – A brand new collection of original work is now on display at Baton Rouge General’s Bluebonnet Café. The “Show Me Louisiana” exhibit consists of 68 pieces by Louisiana artists – some who work with BRG’s Arts in Medicine program, and some who are former and current patients.

BRG has been the only hospital in the state with an Arts in Medicine program since 2012, helping more than 10,000 patients participate in creative activities that promote healing. Activities include painting, drawing, arts and crafts, music and storytelling.

“Studies show that patients who participate in therapeutic art benefit both emotionally and physically during treatment, and we see that every day,” says Kim Henderson, supervisor of BRG’s Arts in Medicine program. “Our work is about more than painting and singing – it’s helping a cancer patient create something beautiful during a long day of infusion treatments, and taking someone’s mind off a recent diagnosis, even for just a little while.”

A free opening reception for “Show Me Louisiana” will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24 at the Baton Rouge General Bluebonnet Café, 8585 Picardy Ave, where attendees can meet some of the artists and get a first look at pieces including oil-based paintings, watercolor artwork, and pen-and-ink sketches. The exhibit reflects artists’ perspectives of Louisiana with themes including scenery, food and musicians. On display through September, a portion of the exhibit’s sales benefit the BRG Arts in Medicine program.

To purchase artwork, please visit the Café at Bluebonnet. For more information about BRG’s Arts in Medicine program, click here or call (225) 387-7040.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. Established in 1970, Baton Rouge General's Regional Burn Center is one of only 125 burn centers in the U.S. verified by the American Burn Association and plays an integral role in supporting other Gulf Coast states when the need arises. Baton Rouge General has been an accredited teaching hospital since 1991, with medical education programs including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.