Arts for Healing
Bringing arts-based experiences to patients
Recognizing that providing great care goes beyond traditional medical treatments, Sharp’s Arts for Healing program promotes comfort and wellness through arts-based experiences. Board-certified art and music therapists along with a team of trained volunteers support our patients, guests and staff at several of our locations.
Art therapy
Our art therapists tailor experiences to a patient’s specific needs and support them in deriving personal meaning from their artful expressions to help relieve anxiety and improve well-being.
Music therapy
Our music therapists shape meaningful experiences to support patients and their loved ones. Music therapy can help reduce pain and anxiety, improve well-being and promote personal reflection.
Become an Arts for Healing supporter.
Funded completely through philanthropy, the Arts for Healing Program is provided at no charge to patients. Please consider making a donation to help improve the emotional, physical and spiritual health of patients and their loved ones through the arts.
Volunteer with our program.
Volunteers are integral to the success of the Arts for Healing program, enhancing healthcare by improving wellbeing and supporting healing through arts engagement. We are currently seeking adult volunteers of all ages and arts experience levels. If you are interested in volunteering, learn about our requirements and submit your application.
Arts for Healing volunteer roles include:
Volunteers provide an opportunity for patients to participate in arts experiences at their bedside by visiting with the Arts for Healing art cart. No prior art training or experience is required.
Volunteers facilitate a simple interview process and complete a “This is My Story” poster with the patient and/or guest. This service fosters a sense of connection and affirmation of personhood for the patient and their guests and supports hospital staff in delivering person-centered care.
Sound healing volunteers promote relaxation by sensitively playing high quality sound healing instruments to enhance care. No music training required. Training and instruments provided.
Music Listening volunteers contribute to patient healing and comfort by supporting patients in identifying and listening to their favorite music. This is a new role beginning in the fall of 2025 and is part of a collaborative research project with the University of San Diego.
Volunteer musicians play live music to enhance the hospital experience, contributing to a positive and uplifting environment through their performance. Musicians play in the main lobby of Sharp Memorial Hospital and may have the opportunity to play in patient rooms. Live audition required.
Support the Arts for Healing program by helping to make art kits and prepare other supplies for patient use and special events.
The Arts for Healing program distributes donated blankets made by creative in-home volunteers to palliative care and oncology patients at Sharp Memorial and families at Sharp Mary Birch. Please contact us at 858-939-3503 or art.metro@sharp.com to make your donation.
Patient Feedback
“I greatly appreciate being creative during this difficult time.” — Art-at-the-Bedside Recipient
“Sound healing was AMAZING! It was a new and extraordinary experience for my husband and I, so soothing and refreshing.” — Sound Healing Recipient
“The volunteers are a breath of fresh air. I welcomed their prompts to remember who I am aside from my ailments. Great company, gracious and empathetic. Thank you!” — What’s Your Story Recipient
“Great program. It is very inspiring on top of the wellbeing effects, and it helped me to put my truth into perspective.” — Music Therapy Recipient
Learn about our internship opportunities.
We support university-affiliated internships in music therapy and art therapy. Interns receive weekly supervision and gain experience with a wide variety of populations including mental health, palliative care, oncology, physical rehabilitation, substance abuse treatment, NICU, women on bed rest and staff wellness. To learn more, contact us at 858-939-3503 or art.metro@sharp.com.
Arts for Healing locations.
Arts for Healing is offered at the following locations: