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Storytelling through patient art at St. Jude

At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, art is more than decoration — it's expression and healing. And when patients choose to share it, it becomes one of the most powerful ways to connect the world to our mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

 
 

Victoria

"I have become a better human being thanks to St. Jude."

Background art by St. Jude cancer survivor Victoria

 
 
 
 
watercolor image of a forrest of trees by St. Jude patient Lilly

The power of St. Jude art

Whether created during art therapy or the ALSAC Patient Art Program, patient art honors the talent and resilience of St. Jude patients.

 

  1. Art therapy at St. Jude is a clinically supported program offered as part of each patient's care experience, alongside child life, rehabilitation and mental health services. Led by licensed art therapists, it gives children a safe, nurturing space to:

    • Reduce stress and anxiety during treatment
    • Process complex emotions and difficult experiences
    • Manage the physical and emotional side effects of illness
    • Simply be a kid — creating freely, without limits

    The art that emerges from these sessions belongs entirely to the patient. It is personal. It is private. And it is part of their healing journey.

    Learn more about art therapy at St. Jude →

     
     

  2. ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, works with St. Jude patients and families who choose to donate their art for use in campaigns, merchandise, fundraising events, and storytelling efforts. It's a structured program where patients voluntarily donate their art. Art is created in the ALSAC studio, in maker spaces at St. Jude or even at home. From there, our patient art team curates it for use across marketing, fundraising campaigns, merchandise, events and donor engagement.

    Every piece shared through the program is done so voluntarily, with full knowledge and consent from the patient and their family. The program is governed by compliance guidelines to ensure every piece is used authentically and in a way that honors the artist's intent.

    What the program does

    • Cultivates creativity — providing art supplies and welcoming environments where patients can create art at their convenience or during media visits
    • Curates patient-donated art for use in marketing, fundraising, merchandise, and partnerships
    • Protects the patient's voice — ensuring all use of art is authentic, compliant, and true to the artist's intent
    • Celebrates patient artists by always crediting their work by name

    Explore the patient art collection →

     
     

  3. At St. Jude, art therapy is a clinical service, facilitated by a licensed art therapist, focused on a patient's emotional and psychological wellbeing during treatment.

    The ALSAC Patient Art Program is separate — it's a marketing initiative where patients choose to share their creativity with the world. The two programs are distinct, though both honor the talent and resilience of St. Jude patients.

     
     
 
 

Meet patient artists

Behind every piece of patient art is a name and a story. These are some of the St. Jude patients and survivors whose creativity has moved, inspired and connected us all.

 
 
Image of St. Jude survivor Victoria

St. Jude cancer survivor Victoria

Victoria draws daily strength from her art and support from St. Jude. 
Read Victoria's story >

 
Image of St. Jude patient Coraliz standing in front of a wall mural painted with colorful butterfly artwork and hand lettering.

St. Jude cancer survivor Coraliz

Coraliz, a medical laboratory scientist, finds inspiration and purpose after cancer treatment.
Learn more about Coraliz >

 
 

When patient art comes to life

Animated patient art videos

Through technology and creative partnership, some patient art has been brought to life through animation and augmented reality. Each animation is created with full patient and family consent, and the original art is always honored and credited.

 
 
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Arctic Fox inspired by St. Jude patient Faith

 
 
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Woodland Mouse inspired by St. Jude patient Ashley

 
 
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Butterfly Flowers inspired by St. Jude patient Annzie

 
 

Uplifting patient art collection

View original art by St. Jude patients and families.

 
 

How patient art is
shared and celebrated

Through the ALSAC Patient Art Program, St. Jude patient art is shared beyond the hospital walls. Art is thoughtfully curated and shared through campaigns, events, merchandise and storytelling that celebrate their voices and connect supporters to the St. Jude mission. Each piece helps tell a powerful story of creativity, resilience and hope.

 

To share joy

  

Send a free virtual card inspired by patient art to St. Jude patients and their families. Your e-card is a small act of kindness to a family facing a difficult diagnosis.

Send a Card

 
 
An example of a coloring page with a heart with flowers and St. Jude written below it
 

To inspire

  

Spark creativity with our free, ready-to-download coloring sheets! Download, print and let the coloring adventures begin!

Download and Print Coloring Sheets

 
 

To give

  

Own your very own piece of St. Jude patient art-inspired merchandise or choose other items that benefit St. Jude by shopping our gift shop.

Shop the St. Jude Gift Shop

 
 
 
 

Art was my way of escaping into my own world where I could forget about the cancer treatments.

St. Jude cancer survivor Adrienne

 
image of colorful flowers painted by St Jude patient Luxe
 
 

Flowers art by St. Jude patient Luxe; background art by St. Jude patient Lilly

 
 
St. Jude patient Matthew painting

St. Jude patient Matthew
 
Thank you art by St. Jude patient Amber

When you donate to St. Jude, you give children the chance to heal — and the freedom to create.

Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.

Donate Now Take a Virtual Tour of St. Jude

 
 

'Thank you' art by St. Jude patient Amber

 
 
 
 

FAQs

 

  1. Art therapy is part of the comprehensive patient care program at St. Jude, offered by trained, credentialed art therapists. 

    Learn more about art therapy at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

  2. No. Art therapy is a private, clinical experience, and that art belongs to the patient. The art featured on this page has been voluntarily donated by patients and families to support the mission of St. Jude. Every piece is shared with explicit consent from the patient and their family. Learn more about the ALSAC Patient Art Program >

  3. We accept some toy donations, including art supplies. Learn how to donate toys and art supplies to St. Jude >

 
 

You may be interested in:

Can I donate art supplies to St. Jude? 

We accept some toy donations, including art supplies. See how to donate toys to the hospital. 

How can I learn more about art therapy and the program at St. Jude? 

Learn more about art therapy at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

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