Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center

Established in 1997, the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center is an integral part of the Center’s commitment to providing comprehensive care in a child-centered environment to meet the emotional, social, educational, and medical needs of patients. 

Through partnerships with more than 20 local artists and arts organizations, the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine program is able to connect the community’s vibrant arts scene with patients and their families who are enduring hours, if not days, weeks or months of a grueling hospital routine to provide daily opportunities for art experiences in the out-patient clinic, the in-patient unit and Bone Marrow Transplant unit at bedside. Through expanded partnerships, the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine program has begun programming at all four Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center in the state of Texas: Houston Main Campus, Katy West Campus, The Woodlands Campus and the Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Clinic in McAllen.

How Art Helps

Art encourages self-expression, and it is particularly helpful to relieve stress in children who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment or blood transfusions. Making music, singing songs, performing dance, watching plays, writing poetry, and creating visual art, is an important part of the healing process. The availability of artistic opportunities in healthcare settings, sometimes called ‘arts in healthcare,’ can be a vital resource in helping patients to cope with an acute illness. Art and healthcare go hand-in-hand because art enhances the healing environment and treatment experience.

For more information, please contact Erin Locke at elocke@periwinklefoundation.org or (713) 807-0191 or Carol Herron at cbherron@texaschildrens.org or (832) 822-1455.