Fun Comics, Free Hugs!

Junicorn and I will be running our table at the Michigan State University Comic Forum (located main Library on campus). Come meet us IRL! Also there will be super neato stickers and other things to check out.

And if you aren't already, give us a follow on Instagram at Junicorn Stories. Comics post every Tuesday! (Unless I get busy...)

Kate Art Featured in The Christman Company: Building Healthcare Newsletter

Creating Artful Spaces (Part 2)

A Three Part Series Dedicated to Patient Care

The simple sight of custom art inspires imagination, elevates mood and triggers emotions capable of improving a person’s physical state. How we experience art is changing, and healthcare is part of the trend. For centuries art has enhanced our lives, providing a sanctuary for the most vulnerable. It is no longer an after-thought, art has become a part of how medical experiences are interpreted, making it essential in patient satisfaction and recovery.

Sparrow Health System’s new Herbert-Herman Cancer Centerproject seamlessly incorporated one-of-a-kind art installations throughout their facility to positively influence the experience of both patients and caregivers. Each piece was thoughtfully curated and designed by one of 12 artists from across Michigan. Finally, they were carefully installed to provide respite for everyone who enters the building.

Making the First Impression
Balancing the physical needs of the cancer center’s construction with consideration for the patient’s emotional and mental needs required forward-thinking practices and teamwork across many departments. One of the main considerations was the entrance to the facility and the initial first impression for patients and their families.

Upon entering the center’s sliding glass doors, your eye is immediately drawn upwards. The main lobby’s ceiling is accentuated by the installation of a complex, multi-piece glass display that integrated with fire-suppression and key support structures. The Christman Company collaborated with the artist, subcontractors and facility maintenance crews to balance critical structures with aesthetics and human experience.

A Natural Influence
Studies have supported that visual arts can reduce stress, improve the patients’ waiting experience and increase social interactions. Moreover, art displays that reflect nature are of particular importance in a healthcare setting. When observing nature-related art specifically, a significant reduction in restlessness, noise level and people staring aimlessly in the waiting room has been shown.

Most of the art adorning the common spaces of the Herbert-Herman Cancer Center emulate nature, including the reflective green tile display off the main lobby. When designing this Pewabic tile wall installation, artist Mario Lopez created a radial pattern to imitate the shape and feel of the sun. The tiles were meticulously pieced together on-site during construction to fully capture the artist’s desired outcome.

Patient Involvement
In addition to art surrounding a patient during their treatment, supporting patient participation in the creation of art can have a positive impact on their well-being. Lansing-based artist, Kate Cosgrove, did just that for the creation of her paper cut illustration. Patients were brought together during a Survivor Day event where they were able to paint water color messages or names on long scrolls of white paper. Cosgrove took their words home and ornately cut them into birds that decorate the top of Cosgrove’s finished piece.

“I was trusted with their stories and loved ones' names. When I took these words home to cut them into the birds, they felt very precious and it was an incredibly moving experience,” Cosgrove explained. “Spending time with the caregivers, families and survivors has left a mark on my heart and I still think about them often. It was an honor to work on this art piece.”

The interactive aspect of patients creating something together has proven to reduce anxiety levels and the sheer enjoyment that participants gain from art is a powerful psychological force that helps facilitate healing.

Take a further look to see how this facility is positively impacting patient care.

To discuss opportunities for hospital-focused project planning and innovative solutions, like the ones described here, contact John O’Toole, Vice President, Healthcare Services. https://bit.ly/2NMo3SQ

My Art Vacationed in England

My Nativity 3 illustration celebrated Christmas in England this year! It graced the cover of the holiday bulletin for St Mary the Virgin, Higham Ferrers and St John the Baptist, Chelveston-cum-Caldecott, The Diocese of Peterborough. Thank you to Tom McLean, Assistant Curate, for licensing my art and for snapping a pic of the display. Cheers!

Nativity Three, 2014

Let's Get Together, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

My spring #KidLit school visit calendar is starting to fill.

So lets book a book-date for your school or library. I would love to share my stories and drawings with the kids in your school district!

Contact me for more information.

Chris Clark Fellowship

I am so honored to be a 2019 Chris Clark Fellowship recipient.

This funding has helped me complete some desperately needed technology upgrades that have been rotting on my back burner for far too long...

I feel all shiny and new and no longer have to go make a sandwich to pass the time while I wait for an illustration file to save.

Thanks Arts Council!

Have You Visited the Juniverse?

My kid and I collaborate on Junicorn, a web comic that drops every Tuesday on Instagram. Each 'episode' is based on our actual conversations. If you haven't checked it out, give us a follow. If you are already a fan, help us grow and share Junicorn with a friend! Thanks, buddies!

Downtown, where all the lights (& frogs) are bright...

I worked with about twenty cuties at the Downtown Library in Lansing, MI. I LOVE CADL! We talked a little about how I became an illustrator and how a book gets made.  I read And The Bullfrogs Sing and The Purple Pussycat. After simple frog-drawing demo the kids made their own singing bullfrog art to take home! #KidLit