By JENNIFER JENSEN

jjensen@thewakullanews.net

In 1990, a creative program began at Shands at the University of Florida called Arts in Medicine. A group of physicians and nurses stared the project to see if a collaboration with local artists might help reduce the stress of hospitalization. The programs focused on visual, literacy, musical and performance arts. They began to see the healing power of the arts.

In 2008, this program expanded to rural communities, thanks to funding provided by the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment of the Arts. Franklin County was the first to implement the program. Now, eight communities have an Arts in Healthcare program, including Wakulla County.

Healing Arts of Wakulla County launched in December of last year at a community event to inform residents of this unique opportunity. HAWC is a joint effort of the Health Care Task Force, NAMI Wakulla, Wakulla County Coalition for Youth and the Palaver Tree Theater Co.

Wakulla County faces challenges with the program because it is the only community without a hospital that was chosen to participate. Members of HAWC must come up with innovative and unique ideas that involve the arts and promote health and well-being for all residents of Wakulla County.

Gail Campbell, executive director of HAWC, said Franklin County approached the coalition for youth about pursuing the program for Wakulla County. She said they understood arts a healing force and it seems those members of HAWC agree. The program is still in the early stages in Wakulla County, but Campbell said the hope is for HAWC to turn into a true arts alliance.

The group is made up of Campbell, President Herb Donaldson, President-elect Grace Keith of the health department and Secretary Rick Jackley of Ribits Ceramic Studio. Other members include artist Paul Fortier, County Commissioner Lynn Artz, Tamara Brynes of the Senior Center, Jimmie Doyle of NAMI, Sherri Kraeft of the extension office and Greg Jackson of G-Signs.

The team is currently working on its organizational structure and strategic plan. Campbell said a solid foundation is needed for the program to be successful, as well as community buy-in.

"HAWC will grow wings and fly," Campbell said.

The nine-member board will be the driving force, she said, but they also will partner with local artists, healthcare providers and instructors. There are several projects that are in the developing stages or already started.

Nancy Jefferson and Haydee Jackley have brought enhanced art programming to Eden Springs Nursing and Rehab Center, which includes painting and pinch pottery. Those who participate in the program are asked to fill out an evaluation form so HAWC knows how the artists are performing. So far, Campbell said, the evaluations have been good.

This program will eventually also be offered at the Senior Center.

Another program that focuses on senior citizens is the Senior Stories Multimedia Project at Eden Springs. Fortier and his family are leading the project, which takes the person's life story and influences based on several interviews with them and creates multimedia web presentations that include portrait paintings, presentations with animation and music, matted prints of the painting and website.

One life story is almost complete. Fortier said he expects to finish the painting by mid-May and then he and his son will begin working on the animated sequences.While they are working on this story, Fortier's wife and two daughters will start interviewing two other Eden Springs residents.

"Great care will be taken during the course of this project to develop engaging presentations that highlight the individuality of each subject and showcase each resident's unique approach to life's challenges," Fortier said.

In the end, the project will be given to the family as a gift. Fortier also plans to contact Big Bend Hospice.

Another project that has yet to launch is the Empty Bowl Project by Haydee Jackley of Ribits Ceramic Studio. The idea is that artists and people in the community will create handcrafted bowls. Then a fundraiser is held where guests are invited to purchase a simple meal of soup and bread. Guests will keep the bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. All proceeds will be donated to the local food pantries. The project is intended to create a connection between the community and the bowl, said Rick Jackley.

Campbell said they could also get the culinary arts students from Wakulla High School to cook the soup. Haydee Jackley is still in the planning stages of this project and if anyone is interested in helping, they should contact HAWC.

Herb Donaldson is focused on another project called Redemption. This will be a series on his Sunday radio program where he interviews professionals in domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse and child abuse. Donaldson said they will be looking at emotional, physical and psychological health.

The group is also looking at offering art at the county health department on Wednesdays when mothers and their babies in the Women, Infants and Children program are there for services.

Commissioner Lynn Artz suggested offering pictures or imprints of the baby's handprint or footprint that the mother could keep as a memento. Grace Keith said that was definitely a possibility. Those children would be from birth to 5 years old, she said.

Other possible projects include cultural heritage through photography and a student art competition at the community center. HAWC members want to engage the schools and the Wakulla Arts Coalition.

The HAWC members also discussed the need for additional funding and Campbell received approval to apply for a $25,000 grant through the Division of Cultural Affairs. "It's meant to sustain (HAWC)," Campbell said.

The next community meeting will be held later in the year and will update everyone on the progress of the group. For more information or to get involved, go to HAWC's website at healingartswakulla.org or call 926-3526 or email healingwakulla@gmail.com.