Celebrate the healing power of the arts!
Join us as we celebrate the gift of creative arts therapies and its healing powers, through community events, activities and sharing of information & resources.
- Check out the upcoming events on this website and on our Facebook page.
- Visit the Articles tab to learn the latest about creative arts therapies
- Let us know how therapeutic music, art, poetry, journal and dance therapies have supported you and your loved ones.
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On Saturday, DECEMBER 17, 2016 the Merina Healing Arts Foundation hosted a cancer awareness event in memory and honor of loved ones touched by cancer and to support local cancer care & arts in healthcare services. Thanks to the patients, caregivers, family, friends, Cancer Support Group, UCLA Health Sciences, all who supported the screening of No Evidence of Disease (N.E.D.)
The special screening of N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease), featured a documentary about six GYN (gynecologic) cancer surgeons who are also musicians who form a rock 'n roll band to support patients and educate others about GYN cancer. Representatives from the Cancer Support community Redondo Beach along with some personal observations and overview of resources was also shared.
Check out the photos from the event and links to resources about GYN cancer and local cancer care services.
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CLICK THIS LINK to read "Cancer documentary inspires memories of weekly movie matinees with Cyn", a column written by Victor Merina, South Bay resident and cancer awareness advocate, that was published in the Daily Breeze prior to the December 2016 N.E.D. film screening in Redondo Beach, California.
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The 2015 Idaho premiere of the documentary, Alive Inside provided the opportunity to discuss the role of music as well as other expressive art therapies to help patients cope with their health condition, and assist caregivers with their challenging role as they support their patients or loved ones.
The evening was a success, with special thanks to:
- Oni Kinberg, Idaho Veteran's Home, who spoke on the Music & Memory program and is currently in place at the Home;
- MacKenzie Rodgers, Alzheimer's Assocation Idaho Chapter, who highlighted the services the helpig they provide and upcoming event;
- Mary Lantz, Certified Music Practitioner, who shared the benefits of music at the bedside for patients who are chronically or critically ill, or those in nursing homes or under hospice care;
- Carole Skinner and The Flicks for bringing the film to Idaho.
Here are links to additional information that may assist you:
- Merina Healing Arts Foundation - to make a donation to support programs, training and educational activities regarding therapeutic music & other creative arts therapies
- Music & Memory Program - to make an iPod donation for facilities that have implemented the Program;
- Music for Healing & Transition Program - to learn more about live therapeutic music at the bedside training and certification program, along with the and services provided;
- Music Therapy Association - to learn more about the role of music therapists, music therapy education & services provided;
- Alzheimer's Assocation Idaho Chapter - to find information about local support services and event for those faced with alzheimer's & dementia diagnosis;
- Articles: Music & Medicine news story; music therapy & alzheimer's; research abstracts; comparison of therapeutic music services.
- Related publications & other resources: Musicophilia; The Music Never Stopped; The Power of Sound;
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December 2013: First Thursday Event included live music, art, crafts and photography by local artists, Mary Lantz and Vicky Jekich, hosted by Serenity Arts Studio & Merina Healing Arts Foundation, as promoted in the event flyer.
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During November's celebration of National Arts & Health Month, Certified Music Practitioners, Mary Lantz and Vicky Jekich, shared information about how creative arts therapies benefit patients and communities.
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If you missed the event and want to see the movie, The Music Never Stopped, check your local library or retail outlets to purchase the video.
At the event, Vicky Jekich, Certified Music Practitioner and founder, Merina Healing Arts, discussed therapeutic music, wellness and shared information about available resources, including:
- books, including Musicophilia by Dr. Oliver Sacks, and An Anthropologist on Mars, which includes the essay about one of Dr. Sacks' patients, "The Last Hippie", from which the movie was based;
- evidenced-based research about therapeutic music that highlights the benefits of music;
- training programs for Certified Music Practitioners and Music Therapists.
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June 1, 2013: “Art for Hope & Healing” was held in early June in celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day and to raise awarness about creative arts therapies. Hosted by Merina Healing Arts, the event featured guest speaker, Chris Ayers, a character designer and concept artist in the entertainment industry whose film credits include Men in Black II, Fantastic Four and The Santa Clause 2. The evening began with a special tribute to creative arts therapies, with a heartbeat rhythm on drums played Carolyn Failla, from Failla Drums, followed by rhythmic flute music performed by Certified Music Practitioner, Vicky Jekich. Local poetry therapist, Susan Furness shared a brief poem to complete the evening's introduction to the arts and later shared insights about creative arts therapies. Natalie Hurst, KBOI tv news anchor welcomed the crowd and kept the event flowing with introductions and commentary.
Keynote speaker, Chris Ayers, spoke about his professional work and his journey following his cancer diagnosis. He highlighted his art that is illustrated in his sketchbook, The Daily Zoo and other publications, and how it played an important part in his healing process and ended the evening with a question and answer period and book signing session.
It was a memorable evening, thanks to our speakers and our sponsors:
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Cancer Connection Idaho; The Grove Hotel; Music for Healing & Transition Program
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Art & Photos...Displayed for a Cause
December 2011: a series of photos were featured in the Local Artists display at the 3 Beez Coffee Bar in Boise. The photographs were part of a photo collection by Vicky Jekich and proceeds from the sale of the framed and matted photographs benefitted the Merina Healing Arts Foundation. Other local artists work that were featured included fiber art and photographs by Mary Lantz and acrylic medium paintings by Leta Neustaeder. Thanks again to Rick and team at 3 Beez...we appreciate the support of local artists!
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November 5, 2011: Our 2nd Annual Creating from the Heart event featured exciting, interactive sessions that highlighted the benefits of music, art and poetry therapies. Special thanks to the presenters who shared their expertise with event participants:
- a drum circle, presented by Stephanie and Kerry Leavell, Music Therapy of Idaho
- a mandala art therapy project, presented by Lisa Williams, Art Alley, Inc.
- poetry writing session, presented by Susan Furness, The Write Path
- and an open mic session, introduced by Kate Riley, Living & Dying Well
The event included exhbits of fiber art and photography by Mary Lantz; acrylic mixed media art by Leta Neustaedter; and original photography by Vicky Jekich. Educational information about local creative arts therapy resources and the annual national Arts+Health observance was also featured. on display.
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| Artist Training & Support |
Educational Training in Therapeutic Music:
Instrumentalists & Vocalists!
MHTP/Music for Healing & Transition Program:
This educational certification program is a course of study which, in recognition of music as a therapeutic enhancement to the healing process and the life/death transition, prepares musicians to serve the ill and/or dying, and all those who may benefit, by providing live music as a service to create healing environments. MHTP graduates are recognized as Certified Music Practitioners (CMPs).
Please refer to the MHTP brochure for more information about the certified music practitioner training program or visit www.mhtp.org.
If interested in MHTP training in Boise, send your contact information via e-mail or mail to Boise MHTP, P.O. Box 44162, Boise, ID 83711. Training will be scheduled based on interest. For other MHTP training dates and locations, visit www.mhtp.org
For questions about classes in Idaho, contact Idaho MHTP Area Coordinator Vicky Jekich at boisemhtp@cableone.net or call (208) 571-4620.
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| Educational Events & Grants |
Funds raised by the Merina Healing Arts (MHA) Foundation are used to support educational events and training to help grow community awareness, improve patient access and support artist training in creative arts therapies.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION: MHA hosts educational events and activities in Idaho such as speaking engagements and performances that highlight art, music, drama, dance, poetry and journal therapies. Target audiences include patients, caregivers, medical providers and artists interested in learning more about creative arts therapies or pursuing certification or degree in pursuit of a therapeutic arts profession.
GRANTS: The goal of MHA grants is to support eligible, evidenced-based therapeutic arts programs to established Idaho 501(c) charitable organizations, governmental units, or their subsidiaries. Grant applications and deadlines will be made available through this website. MHA funds are granted through the Idaho Community Foundation.
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PAST EVENTS AND GRANTS
MHA Events:
Art for Hope & Healing: National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration, highlighting local therapeutic arts professionals and featuring guest speaker and cancer survivor, Chris Ayers.
Creating from the Heart: Arts in Healthcare Performances & Educational Sessions
Touching Lives Through Healing Arts: Concerts with David Lanz & Gary Strousos; Cherie Buckner-Webb & Friends
Activities:
Boise Public Library Presentation
St. Mark's Health Fair
St. Luke's MSTI Staff Presentation
Stevens Henegar College/CNA Program Presentation
Saint Alphonsus Primary Care Staff Presentation
Grants Awarded:
Memory Box Grant: Recipient - SHARE of Idaho/Saint Alphonsus Perinatal Support Group
Artist Training Grant: Recipient - Music for Healing & Transition Program for Idaho MHTP students: DeAnn DeGutis, Carole Heffernan, Jennifer Hobbs, Deborah Johnson, Mary Lantz
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Educational sessions and community events are held during the year to raise awareness about arts in healthcare and to help support the Merina Healing Arts mission. If you have suggestions for educational opportuniteis, questions about available services, ideas for events, or you would like to volunteer in support of Merina Healing Arts , send an email to info@merinahealingarts.org.
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