Page 19 - MidWeek - Feb 15, 2023

18 MIDWEEK FEBRUARY 15, 2023
I t’s clear that the leader of the Healing Through Art program at The Queen’s
resides in California, intro- duced the art of calligraphy to the class. He, too, is a can- cer survivor.
Where Patients Are Renewed Through Art
By MaryAnne Long
Medical Center’s Cancer Center is enjoying her sur- roundings these days.
logging in 30 minutes early to socialize. Cheng’s lessons include acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, jewelry and seasonally popular craft projects. Sessions can be re-
Healing Through Art students gather in The Queen’s Medical Center to frame their artwork. PHOTO COURTESY THE QUEEN’S HEALTH SYSTEM
played as needed. Packs of art supplies are handed out at Queen’s every other month for members — 63% being patients and the remaining 37% are friends, caregivers and others.
“It’s a safe place to con- nect and be yourself,” says Jocelyn Cheng, the pro- gram’s artist-in-residence.
Participants meet online at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, with many
While Queen’s medical professionals treat class patients physically, the pro- gram helps heal their spirits.
“After serving as a care- giver in the last five years of my husband’s life, I learned of the Healing Through Art program,” says student Car- olyne Tartura. “The online classes reignited my interest in art and had me stretch- ing my skills by the variety of lessons offered. I found myself capable of learning something new.
In 1989, Cheng, then a registered nurse in Queen’s oncology department, was diagnosed with thyroid can- cer. She left nursing and took up art. She survived cancer and returned to nursing, keeping art as a side interest.
(Left) Lines is a pen-and-ink artwork done by Malia. (Right) Jocelyn Cheng, at left, proudly displays artwork by Karen, a downtown Honolulu resident. PHOTOS COURTESY JOCELYN CHENG
When Queen’s received a Livestrong Foundation grant in 2012, Cheng was chosen to guide what has become a successful program. As time passed, the medical center, along with private donors and sponsorships, continued to provide funding for this worthwhile program.
HTA artwork will be dis- played at Downtown Art Center 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues- days-Sundays through April 8. An opening reception
MaryAnne Long is an art- ist, art instructor, art collec- tor, and curator. Contact her at malong@hawaii.rr.com or longlostart.weebly.com.
“I found that the proj- ects slowly helped me get through my grief and loss. I am also inspired by Joc- elyn’s dedication and oth- er participants’ positivity, joy and enthusiasm despite what they’ re going through.
Art has helped me to move forward and feel productive, joyful and appreciative of every day.”
takes place 2-5 p.m. Feb. 19. For more information, call
808-691-8984.
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Cheng, who retired in 2002, says her family sup- ports her efforts in finding ways to make her classes more accessible and en- joyable. Both her husband, Jamie, and son, Jarrin, are involved in her classes.
When the pandemic struck and the classes stopped, the patients begged for them to continue. But how? With the resourcefulness of Darlene Sardinha, Queen’s Cancer Center program associate, and the tech-savvy skills of Jamie Cheng, the class- es went virtual, and have continued to be presented in that manner since April 2020. Jarrin, who currently