Thanks to a fantastic partnership between Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA), Tri-County Educational Service Center (ESC), and Wooster City Schools, young artists in grades K-12 have a unique opportunity to see their artwork showcased in the Outpatient Pavilion at Wooster Community Hospital (WCH). This inspiring collaboration not only brightens the hospital’s walls but also brings together four distinct community organizations in a shared celebration of creativity, healing, and youth.
Tri-County ESC works closely with area art teachers to collect a diverse range of student artwork. These pieces are then carefully framed and hung by Darcy Haynes, Visual Arts and Outreach Coordinator at WCA, creating a rotating gallery that adds vibrancy and warmth to the hospital environment. The artwork is changed out every few months, ensuring there is always something new and refreshing for patients, visitors, and staff to enjoy.
A Celebration of Community and Creativity
Dr. Michelle Muro, Fine Arts Consultant at Tri-County ESC, speaks highly of this partnership, stating, “This program is a beautiful way to unite four very different organizations that serve our community. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to highlight the incredible young artists we have in Wooster and the quality art instruction being provided at each school. There’s so much talent in our community, and this is one way to shine a light on it.”
Students and parents alike take great pride in seeing these works displayed in such a prominent public space. For many young artists, this is their first chance to exhibit their work outside the school setting, allowing them to experience the joy and confidence that comes from public recognition.
Darcy Haynes, who coordinates the selection and display of the artwork, emphasizes the therapeutic impact of the program: “Children’s art is an unfiltered expression of their world—a reflection of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. When viewers encounter these honest and imaginative pieces, it offers a unique kind of joy and even healing. There’s a certain magic in the innocence and authenticity of a child’s creative voice.”
Art as a Healing Force in Hospitals
Angela Rincon, Director of Philanthropy at Wooster Community Hospital, notes “The vibrant student art displayed at Wooster Community Hospital brings beauty and joy to staff, patients, and visitors, creating a comforting and uplifting environment. This collaboration with the Wayne Center for the Arts and the Tri-County Educational Service Center highlights the profound value of art in healing and strengthens the connection between the hospital and the community.”
Research continues to support the idea that art can play a significant role in healing. Studies show that both viewing and creating art can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being. In hospital settings, art can be especially powerful in counteracting sterile environments, providing a much-needed source of comfort, warmth, and beauty. It creates a more welcoming atmosphere that can help ease the anxiety of patients and their families.
The partnership between WCA, Tri-County ESC, Wooster City Schools, and Wooster Community Hospital demonstrates the power of collaboration and community engagement. It is a reminder of how art can bring people together, foster joy, and promote healing in ways that are both profound and deeply meaningful. By filling the hospital’s walls with the imaginative and colorful artwork of local students, this program is not just enhancing the hospital’s environment—it is nurturing the community’s spirit.
The next time you visit Wooster Community Hospital, take a moment to explore the Outpatient Pavilion and experience the wonderful array of student artwork for yourself. You might just find that these young artists have the power to brighten your day too!