Lake Saint Louis Hospital Unveils "Art of Healing" Wall

SSM St. Joseph Hospital West unveiled its "Art of Healing" Wall this week, displaying the artworks of more than 20 students from the four high schools in the Fort Zumwalt School District.

Staff of the hospital and the district gathered in the hallway between Lab and Radiology at the hospital at 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis Monday evening to view the artwork.

Brian Cushing, a nuclear medicine technologist in the radiology department of the hospital, said the radiology team came up with the idea to involve the community with the radiology department.  Team members then contacted the art department at Fort Zumwalt and the wall was born.

"It adds positive energy," said Jamie Rapp, assistant team leader in radiology. "Art is therapeutic and visually appealing. It's a fun distraction. It's a conversation starter."

Cushing said the art wall gives kids a positive connection to the hospital, while allowing patients waiting for tests or results to peruse the wall at their leisure.

Sandra Ballantyne, art instructor and curriculum coordinator for the district, said students will change up the artwork every few months. "It really surprised the kids. Sometimes they don't realize how beautiful their work is. Then you put it in a show and they think, 'Oh, maybe I did do a good job.'"