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Make a Gift
Help a cancer patient heal through the arts.
Healing Arts Program at Henry Ford Cancer
At Henry Ford Cancer, our Healing Arts Program offers cancer patients, caregivers and the community a unique way to find comfort, expression and connection through art and music.
Art and music therapy
Art and music therapy are proven to support healing by engaging both the mind and body. Unlike exercise, which focuses only on the body, or meditation, which focuses only on the mind, creating art or music combines both—providing powerful health benefits backed by research.
Working with a licensed art or music therapist can offer many of the same benefits as traditional talk therapy. In cancer care, these therapies are designed to help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Benefits of art and music therapy in cancer care
Patients who take part in art or music therapy may experience:
- Deep relaxation and stress relief
- New coping skills to manage anxiety, depression, or fear related to a cancer diagnosis
- A safe outlet for self-expression, creativity, and problem-solving
- A stronger sense of control during treatment
- Positive distraction from medical procedures and appointments
- Greater hope and emotional resilience
Learn more about healing arts
Our Healing Arts Program offers a variety of art and music therapy opportunities for cancer patients, caregivers and loved ones. Explore our programs below and sign up directly for the sessions that interest you.
Art therapy programs
Art Therapy Open Studio
Receive monthly projects and supply lists before each live group.
Art Therapy at Home
An evening art therapy group for those with a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones.
Art Therapy Group for Women+
Connect with other women affected by cancer through guided art activities.
Art in Bloom
An in-person art therapy group for patients and their loved ones at Henry Ford West Bloomfield.
One-on-one art therapy sessions
- A safe and supportive space for those diagnosed with cancer to express emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through creative expression.
- Ask your cancer care team for a referral to one-on-one art therapy
Meet our art therapist: Calliandra Perry, MA, LLPC, ATR-P
Art Therapist Calli Perry has her Master’s degree from Wayne State University in Counseling and Art Therapy. She greatly enjoys taking part in the journey that art therapy can bring each person, whether that is through one-on-one sessions or in groups. Group work is where she feels art therapy really shines, with art acting as a primary common factor among all group members, allowing their cancer journeys to not be their number one focus for the length of the art therapy session. Communicating through art can sometimes be easier than using words, and Calli believes art can unite us all; we all have creativity flowing through us, we just might require a little extra help to channel it!
Additional healing arts programs
We also offer special workshops and live performances in partnership with community arts organizations.
Art workshops with Detroit College of Creative Studies
Detroit Institute of Arts: Behind the Seen
David DiChiera Music Therapy Program
Healing music programs made possible by the Marvin, Betty, and Joanne Danto Family Foundation
- Live concerts with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
- Live music with the Detroit Opera
- Healing through music with the Jackson Symphony
- Check back soon for dates
A special thank you
Thank you to our clients, caregivers and loved ones who have supported the Art Therapy Program. Special thanks to our grant funder, The Zoe Foundation for Infusion Art Therapy, whose generous grants provide services across Henry Ford Health Cancer’s treatment locations.
