Artshift
Artshift provides Visual Arts programming to youth at local children's hospitals. Originally, the program was part of a 10-hospital pilot program in California funded by Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Christensen Fund, and VSA arts of California.
Artshift began in Sacramento at both UC Davis Medical Center (Children's Cancer Unit) and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, under the direction of professional community artists. The program continued at Shriners Hospital for five years. In 2008, Children's Center, at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento will be implementing Artshift as a pilot program under the guidance of professional artist, Maggie Jimenez.
The goals of Artshift are to humanize the potentially frightening hospital environment and to enhance the children's self-esteem by assist patients in creating artwork for display. These goals are realized with the help and direction of volunteers, hospital staff, and the Artists-in-Residence, Maggie Jimenez, all of whom meet with Artshift children once a week. Weekly sessions allow the children exploration opportunities--using a variety of artistic media to create high-quality artwork--as well as learn about the work of famous artists.
*All photos on this page are from Artshift 2002-2007
(above) Artwork created by Artshift students from 2002 - 2007.
View Community Art Shows that have included artwork from Artshift participants at the links below.
to receive updates about VSA arts of California news and events.