ART BUDDY TRAINING WORKSHOPS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Promoting Healing Through Creativity

Swedish patient shows off his art made during the Art Buddy program

“Art Buddy” volunteers provide pediatric patients at Swedish Medical Center and Harborview Hospital with creative opportunities for artistic expression.

In order to become an Art Buddy, you will need to attend a HANDS-ON WORKSHOP that will introduce you to the role of creativity in helping ease fears, promote effective coping and open communication between you, patients and their family. You will become familiar with how to use Art with Heart’s books to support children’s emotional needs, and gain an understanding of how to encourage creativity, even with children with limited physical capacity.

You will also learn about Art with Heart’s “Art Buddy” volunteer opportunities at Swedish and Harborview.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

WHEN: Twice a year, please check our EVENTS page for the next available date.

WHERE: Swedish Medical Center/First Hill Campus, 747 Broadway, Seattle

COST: $50 (costs cover the costs of supplies and our trainer); Register at artwithheart.org/events

WHO: Ideal volunteers have excellent interpersonal/communication skills andpossess enthusiasm for working with children. Hours and schedule can be flexible.

SWEDISH INFO: Swedish’s policy for volunteers requires that you fill out a volunteer application as well as a Health History Questionnaire (2 MMR vaccinations are required + PPD skin test). You will also go through a brief interview with the volunteer manager and a Child Life Specialist (roughly 1/2 hour each), as well as a four-hour volunteer orientation and an orientation with the Child Life Department (which would happen on your first day of volunteering).

Most Art Buddy volunteers find it helpful to shadow Swedish’s Lead Art Buddy before volunteering. If interested, please call Swedish Medical Center First Hill Campus Volunteer Department (206-215-1510) to request an application.

Be sure to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to hear about happenings and volunteer opportunities!