Creative Arts Program
At Cook Children's, we believe in the healing power of creativity. Our Creative Arts Program offers patients and families opportunities for self-expression, control and connection through a variety of artistic experiences. Whether through painting, music, writing, movement or drama, our program brings the creative arts together with the art of healing.
Our program supports emotional expression, communication, coping and connection. Participating in the arts can help reduce fear and anxiety, promote self-discovery, support pain management and rehabilitation and provide a sense of normalcy during a hospital stay.
We welcome both patients and family members to engage in our expressive offerings as part of the overall health care experience.
Therapeutic art
Therapeutic art activities provide children with creative ways to relax, express emotions, build confidence, make choices and explore new ideas. These experiences support emotional, social and physical goals while helping to normalize the hospital environment.
Visual art activities may include:
- Acrylic painting
- Clay and sculpture
- Collage
- Drawing
- Jewelry making
- Photography
- Watercolor painting
Through the creative process, patients gain tools for self-expression, develop problem-solving skills and find joy and meaning in their experience.
Music therapy
Music therapy offers a powerful outlet for emotional expression, communication and healing. Led by board certified music therapists, sessions are personalized to meet the physical and emotional needs of each patient.
Music therapy experiences may include:
- Playing instruments
- Songwriting
- Lyric analysis
Research shows music therapy can reduce stress, aid movement, foster connection and provide meaningful emotional support. Most of all, music therapy feels like fun, even when it's doing the hard work of healing.
Heartbeat songs
Cook Children's Heartbeat Songs are meaningful keepsakes for families who have experienced the loss of a child. Music therapist Shea Ingram and recording studio producer Raymond Turner work together to transform a child's recorded heartbeat into a unique and heartfelt song. These personalized compositions honor and preserve each child's memory in a deeply moving way.
Are you a music therapy student looking for an internship?
Creative dramatics and movement
Drama and movement promote mind-body connection and provide space for creativity, exploration and joy. These experiences encourage confidence, imagination and self-regulation through:
- Storytelling
- Playwriting
- Imaginative play
- Dance and movement
- Juggling
- And more!
These interactive sessions help children build resilience while supporting physical and emotional well-being.
Art displays
Throughout Cook Children's, you'll find vibrant and inspiring artwork created by our patients and their siblings. Many children choose to donate their art to be displayed in the hospital, transforming our space with color, creativity and hope. These works reflect the voices, experiences and imaginations of the children we serve and we are proud to share them with you.
Meet our team
Our experienced and passionate team brings creativity, compassion and expertise to every interaction.
-
Shea Ingram, MA
MT-BC, CCLS, board-certified music therapist, CAP, Child Life -
Katie Bourland, MA
MT-BC, board-certified music therapist, CAP, Child Life -
Sydney Peel
Resident artist, Creative Artist Program, Child Life
Contact us
To connect with a Child Life specialist, call us at 682-885-4048 or email us at ceativeartsprogram@cookchildrens.org.
Are you a child Life student or interested in becoming a certified child life specialist?