The Muse Dialogue

The Healing Power of Music: An Interview with Penny Brill

themusedialogue — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:15:41 +0000

Penny Brill

Penny Anderson Brill has explored the connection between art and healing in a personal way. A graduate of Juilliard, she joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 1980, as a violist. Yet her commitment to music and its potential impact has taken her not only to the stage but also to area hospitals and wellness programs. Her work in bringing art to healing environments has attracted international attention, and I wanted to learn more about this artist who has translated her virtuosity into serving the wellness of many over the years.

Click here for Jessica Ryan’s interview with the fascinating Penny Brill, who has demonstrated first-hand the healing power of music.

A Helper in Times of Trouble

themusedialogue — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:50:40 +0000

Using art as a form of therapy helps to create a connection between the inner world and the outer world, which in turn cultivates greater self-understanding. In creating this connection, people may find themselves releasing pent-up emotions and therefore feeling a sense of catharsis after creating something. Whether it is painting, drawing, collaging, or sculpting, making something out of nothing is an emboldening experience. Janette Delgado reflects on the impact of art therapy and her entry into the profession in her article, “A Helper in Times of Trouble” (click to read the complete article).

Healing Art: One Part Imitation, One Part Imagination

themusedialogue — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:33:39 +0000

Both imitation and imagination have roles in healing art, and they interact to create a healing artistic experience for patients and visitors in healthcare environments. Jessica Ryan explores the intersection of imitation and imagination, with a touch of Plato and Kant along the way, in her second article in the TMD series on arts and healing, “Healing Art: One Part Imitation, One Part Imagination.” Click here to read the full article.

Hospital Design: What Difference Does It Make?

themusedialogue — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:56:37 +0000

The new Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, which takes aesthetics and healing into account, opened its doors in 2009.

Architects, designers, and health care providers now recognize that they cannot ignore aesthetics when constructing hospitals. An aesthetically pleasing environment is therefore integral, and not periphery, to promoting healing.

Jessi Ryan explores the aesthetics of hospitals and hospital architecture in our next article from The Muse Dialogue: “Hospital Design: What Difference Does It Make.” (click to view full article)