How is patient recovery affected by environment and creative expression?

These questions are answered in part in the introduction to case studies of health care facilities, which cite Project Art's efforts as worthy of modeling.

"Throughout its development and to its core, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics believes that it must not only assemble the human expertise to make the healing, education,and research components of its mission possible, but also must create an environment that promotes both healing for the patient and respite for the family. Call it the 'environment of care' or 'hospital decor,' University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' physical environment is an experience to behold."

—Doing The Right Things Right
 Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, 1997

Studies show that patients who view art recover more quickly. When people who are ill view and make art, their attitude and outlook can change. When people are relaxed, it allows the immune system to operate optimally.

"Art affects our immune system, it affects the opiate levels in the brain," says Leah Dickstein, PhD. "Art gives them (patients) a sense of control, whereas in medicine you don't have a sense of control."