Through the power of art, Roswell Park donors have brought joy and self-expression to pediatric patients and their families as part of The Kathleen and Joseph Curatolo Pediatric Visual Arts Program.
“Art transforms their experience. It’s a healthy diversion and there’s abundant research to support that art is an outlet for expressing what a patient is going through,” said Resident Artist Ginny O’Brien, one of two staff members dedicated to the program.
The program began in August 2018 engaging pediatric patients in numerous art activities that mentally provide a small reprieve during treatment. The works are created in-clinic at the Katherine, Anne and Donna Gioia Pediatric Hematology Oncology Outpatient Center. The program is fully funded by Kids Just Want To Have Fun, a top Ride for Roswell fundraising team established in 2012 by team captain Joe Curatolo. The team has grown from 12 riders to hundreds of riders and has raised a cumulative $4 million to support numerous quality-of-life and patient care programs.
“Kids’ art is fantastic, and I believe that everyone should have access to art and be able to enjoy the beauty of creating art,” expressed Joe.
Art for the Whole Family
Individuals battling cancer are going through the most difficult time of their lives. At Roswell Park, we believe in caring for the whole patient. We provide essential quality-of-life programs that lend an extra helping hand and give emotional support.
The realities of a pediatric cancer diagnosis impact the entire family. The Curatolo Pediatric Visual Arts Program is one-of-a-kind, designed as a creative, diversionary outlet for the mind. The program is available not only to patients but also siblings and parents. Art instruction is one-on-one and our Resident Artists cater the art projects to meet the specific needs of each individual or family.
“I see patients and their family members and caretakers light up when they experience the delight of making something they didn't expect,” Resident Artist Brittany De Nigris said. “We talk, laugh and experiment with materials together. It’s so beautiful to see grown-ups and kids alike sharing their creativity and discovery together.”
In addition, our Resident Artists work closely with our Child Life Specialist and Pediatric Psychologist to fully understand the psychosocial needs of each patient. This level of comprehensive attention is one of many examples of what makes patient care at Roswell Park unique.
A Creative Outlet During Treatment
We have something for every age, skill level and interest, using a wide array of materials and mediums. We supply more than paper and crayons to match a child’s imagination. Our young artists enjoy sculpting superheroes from clay, painting scenery on canvases, printing self-portraits on papers and so much more.
With displayed art changing regularly, we encourage you to visit the latest installment in the hallway between the pediatric clinic and phlebotomy on the main floor of the hospital.
Meet The Artists
Mary Virginia “Ginny” O’Brien joined Roswell Park in August 2018 as a Resident Artist solely focused on art in the pediatric clinic. She has an extensive background in art and nursing, making her talents and skills the perfect fit for our pediatric patients at Roswell Park.
Brittany De Nigris joined as a Resident Artist in June 2024. Brittany was previously an art professor and developed an experimental art program for kids. As a breast cancer survivor herself, there are many ways Brittany can relate to our patients’ journeys.
