NIH Arts

Offering access to art supplies and therapeutic art programming has been a long-standing component of The Inn's support programming for kids and families. Last year, An Evening with the Arts enabled The Inn to expand current art program offerings and also create new ones, including HeARTWorks, which directly supports parents and caregivers. Once a month in the multipurpose room, parents are tapping into their creativity and enjoying a chance to "focus on meeting one another and enjoying conversation," said HeARTWorks facilitator Brigid Guttmacher, who has a master's degree in art therapy and is a licensed professional counselor with a private practice in Washington, D.C.

"Primarily the program gives caregivers a little bit of space and time," Brigid said, "to just be off duty."

"[HeARTWorks] is not treatment based," says Jennie Lucca, The Inn's Director of Facilities and Resident Services. "It's about giving support and care."

----Lauren Conte, Annual Giving and Special Events Manager