Hospital Art for Kids - Testimonials

Testimonials

From: "The Family of Children"
Rivers flow. The Sea Sings. Oceans Roar. Tides Rise. Who Am I? A Small Pebble On A Giant Shore; who am I to ask who am I? Isn't it Enough To Be? - American Indian

Richard Stocker's passion, commitment, desire to share his knowledge and pleasure in art has greatly contributed to the coping abilities of many individuals when hospitalized.
As Mr. Stocker's 'colorful world' embraces a patient and / or family member there is a sense of recognizing how a river flows, of understanding the song of the sea and the roar of the ocean. There is the ability to feel content with oneself in Mr. Stocker's world of color and design.
Mr. Stocker is a small pebble on a giant shore that has given to the world at large; a sense of well being with his art program for hospitalized children.
Be is as simple as a conversation about color or projects collaborating with community schools; there is an awareness of purpose in his interactions such that a person feels more light-hearted (the essence of art) and stronger (in accepting and utilizing the gift of his talent and attention).
Mr. Stocker appears to awaken interest in the most dull or disinterested children and viewers; capable of igniting desire to become a part of the artistic experience.
Mr. Stocker inspires individuals to look, listen, and learn gently and compassionately which is in my opinion the fundamental nature of living well.
His ability to promote experiences of distraction and coping is a real tribute to any program providing social and emotional support to children.
I am privileged to be able to document the above as I have witnessed Mr. Stocker's talent at work first hand.

Rebecca Armstrong, MA Child Life Program Director
Presbyterian Hospital

STATEMENTS FROM COLORING PARENTS

These quotes come from the Child Life Playroom at Presbyterian Hospital as I sat coloring with the kids and their families.

Parents need an out let too
Gets the less stress off of you
I feel less frustration and nervous so I can be more healthy for my child
It's a nice change
This makes being sick easier
Lovely great idea
It's like having an art fair in the hospital
Relaxing fun way to be in the hospital
Speaks to everyone
That's toooo cool
The chance to get away and be someplace else for awhile
It's a no brainier - it's a relief not to have to think - no line to stand in - what looks good is easy to do.
Observation: There is an instant comradery between families...everyone turns into a kid like sharing.coloring these super fun designs is a perfect healing.I have worked so hard I don't know weather I an coming or going.I have not colored in so many years.It is a blessing to color with my granddaughter.55
What color for the face..what color for the face.you tell me sweetheart.Oh yes that will be nice mom.
Either way fast for slow..it's fun to color. Mom
Children who are sick and at a loss for control find their strength in coloring ***
The focas of coloring brings enjoyment and pride.
How simple and how wonderful
Each child is an artist.these designs keeps that spirit

STATEMENTS FROM THE CHILDREN

I'm going to watch you dad... your pretty good - age 5 -G
Never met a color that didn't make a difference - 11 -B
I don't color much but these designs sure keep me busy - 8 - B
I like to write songs and the colors I pick are like sound - 10 - G
If you do a coloring book don't use that thin tan paper. I like this heavy white paper because you can see how bright the colors are. - 10 - G
I'm going to give this to my dad for father's Day. - 7 -G
Colors are things that make the world - 12 - B - Ind
Coloring by two - I like my half better than yours - 14 - G
If you didn't have colors then you wouldn't have your favorite color. - 8 - G
You need color or it wouldn't be any fun - 6 - B
As he colored. If I was born 500 years ago I would have been a king - 8 - B
Grandfather: You got purple, Grandchild: I got purple, Gpa: you got purple, Gchild: I got purple, Gpa : I got red too.. - 64 & 6 - B
Mama your pictures keep getting better and batter - 6 - G
There like a puzzle.you have to find the color. - 12 -B
Coloring these designs makes me feel part of the art. 12 - G
It's like putting my mind on paper. - 11 - G
The shapes are cool. - 12 - G
There cool, Not like normal pictures of birds or frogs. - 12 - B
I don't color in coloring books any more, but this stuff is fun. - 13 - B
It's like putting together a model. 14 - B
My dad won't color with me. - 7 - G
Mom, if you take away my maker I'll die - 4 - B
There is little risk of making a mistake. You can follow whatever your instinct wishes. Desire guides you without a hint of fear to stop an exploration. Dad
I like coloring when my stomach hurt cuz it keeps my mind off the pain G 15
Colors are in all colors.boy 6
I like to color myself..boy 6
I like blending.Life is blending.boy 6
Nothing else to do..I didn't care about coloring..now I can't stop. 9
Question to mom..why do you like coloring with your boy."Makes my son happy"..mom
Coloring is like medicine.. After I color it I hang it on the wall so I can look at it all day long.it makes me happy and I feel better. Girl 8
When I color it concentrates my mind. G 13
I asked, do you have time to color? Answer."That's all I do have" b 17
ahhh off to a great start. B 7
Gosh that is nice..thank you ! g 12
Coloring helps where I am hurting. 6