2022 Abbott House Annual Report - Report - Page 18
Hall of Dreams
Healing Through Art Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Caregiving
Abbott House’s holistic approach to caregiving considers the physical, emotional, social, spiritual,
and economic needs of those in care. We do this because we know each person is unique, which
means caring for each person requires a deep understanding of their sense of self and circumstances.
Our Art Program supports this philosophy. Through a wide range of activities and initiatives guided by Art
Leads Lauren Wendle, Sarah Coble, Robyn Ellenbogen, and a team of dedicated support volunteers, we
implement art to aid in healing trauma. Projects range from coloring and painting to repurposing materials,
writing poems on beautiful paper, dancing, meditating, and even making sculptures out of clay.
In January 2023, Abbott House invited benefactors and friends to the opening of The Hall of Dreams Art
Gallery on our Irvington campus. The space was created as an extension of a weekly art therapy program
led by teaching artist and volunteer Robyn Ellenbogen. The vision was for children and others in care to
create and curate their work in an environment that fosters friendship, healing, and hope.
The gallery’s first installation included repurposed
cardboard transformed into whimsical wooden boxes;
a paper tapestry made of drawings sewn together;
and foraged wood from the Hudson River decorated
with paint, glitter, sparkles, and feathers to create an
eye-catching piece entitled Jacob’s Ladder.
Jacob’s Ladder
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Abbott House
