Celebrating Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts @ Howard Univ. Hospital - the place where I share my gifts as an artist-in-residence

[Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke]

Today I am celebrating Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts - http://www.smithfarm.com. I have been working as an artist-in-residence for Smith Farm since 2001. Click here to learn about the program: http://www.smithfarm.com/sfc-misc.html#artist. My work at Howard University Hospital began in January 2003. It is hard to believe that it's been six years. This experience has:

-opened my heart to the human spirit

-introduced me to so many people with unique life stories that reflect a creative approach to living

-helped me overcome and manage my fear of hospitals and death

-encouraged me to identify my voice as an artist and writer

-inspired me to paint and draw, create collages with words and poetry, and become a yoga teacher, Reiki master practitioner, and creativity coach

-taught me how important it is to share the gift of creativity and document the work that I do in communities of color

-allowed me to participate as a presenter at the Society for Arts in Healthcare conferences in Edmonton, Canada, and Chicago, Illinois

-offered me opportunities to facilitate expressive arts workshops for healthcare staff and people living with cancer at local hospitals in the DC area

-deepened my commitment to serve people living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other health challenges.


When you get some time, check out a new video (4 min. 26 sec.) that Smith Farm created: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsBNvm2X1S4. Yours truly is featured in the video. Enjoy!