For forty years, The Professional Artists of St. Augustine (PAStA) Fine Art Gallery has opened their doors during every First Friday Artwalk with a special feature highlighting the work of an exceptional local artist, group artist, or themed show. This August, the “Heartfelt” fine art show by member artists will support Art with a Heart in Healthcare (AWAHIH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides personalized fine art experiences that enhance the healing process for patients and their families in six hospitals in the Jacksonville area.

A special reception will be held at the gallery at 214 Charlotte Street in downtown Saint Augustine during First Friday Art Walk, August 2 from 5 to 9 pm. PAStA president Valarie Pothier-Forrester will present AWAHIH Executive Director Christy Ponder with a $500 donation to the organization. Entertainment and light fare will be provided.

Over the last two decades, AWAHIH has served more than 125,000 patients and provided services at six nationally-recognized healthcare facilities in Duval County (Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Mayo Clinic, St. Vincent’s Healthcare, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nemours Children’s Health, and Baptist Health). AWAHIH’s arts programming promotes a sense of well-being that leads to improved patient outcomes by helping patients cope with diagnoses and treatments, promoting stress relief, and reducing pain perception. AWAHIH supports patients and their families by providing bedside and group art experiences during a period in their lives which is often highly stressful.

“Due to recent state budget cuts, we have lost a significant source of funding, and as a result, AWAHIH is now in a difficult situation. We need financial support and art supply donations so that we can make sure that art remains part of the healing journey for patients,” said Teresa Graham, PAStA Member Artist and AWAHIH Board Secretary. “We are grateful to PAStA for their sponsorship, and for the donation of a portion of the sales from the Heartfelt show during the month of August.”