The Artful Healing program offers theme-based tours and art making activities at area hospitals, healthcare centers, and at the MFA for children, youth, teens, and their families in a group setting or in patients' rooms. This initiative reinforces the Museum’s mission—to reach beyond its walls to bring art experiences into the community. The MFA currently provides off-site workshops for children, youth, and teens at Children's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Artful Healing is generously supported by Carol and Terry Wall. Additional support for the program at MGH is provided by June N. and John C. Robinson.
Off-Site Artful Healing Workshops
Artful Healing Workshops last 2 hours and can take place at hospitals and healthcare centers in group settings or with individual patients who are unable to leave their rooms. MFA Instructors show images of works of art from the Museum’s collections and conduct hands-on art-making activities. A certificate of completion is given to each participant in recognition and encouragement of their involvement. These workshops provide a positive distraction resulting in a beautiful work of art by allowing a child’s imagination to wander and a family to simply have fun together.
Artful Healing Programs at the MFA
Artful Healing Programs at the MFA are adapted from the Museum’s Artful Adventures program, which provides opportunities for groups of children ages three and older to connect with the art and cultures of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas through engagement with the MFA collections. Group leaders work closely with Museum Instructors to design customized adventures that fit the interests and needs of each group. Each visit lasts an hour and a half and combines gallery exploration with an art-making activity. Learn more about Artful Adventures.
Pricing
Off-Site Artful Healing Workshops
$200 Mileage Fee: $25 added to reservations for organizations more than 10 miles away from the Museum of Fine Arts
Artful Healing Programs at the MFA
Youth: $80 for up to 10; $8 for each additional youth Chaperones: A minimum of 1 adult chaperone is required for every 10 youth. All chaperones are free and receive a discount on parking in Museum facilities.
Sample Art Activities
Chinese brush painting - scrolls or paper lanterns Clay Collage Drawing Embossed foil pendants Jewelry Masks Painting on canvas Printmaking Puppets Sculpture Watercolor
Beyond the Spectrum: Adventures in Art for Children with Autism
Beyond the Spectrum: Adventures in Art for Children with Autism is a specially designed program for children between 8-12 on the Autism Spectrum, including Asperger’s Syndrome, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Upon arrival children are divided into groups by age and/or needs. The program meets on the first Saturday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Each class lasts an hour and a half and combines gallery exploration with an art-making activity. Pre-registration is required. For more information please visit the Beyond the Spectrum page, call 617-369-4027, or e-mail artfulhealing@mfa.org.