Artwork by Texas Children's pediatric cancer patients on display at Helix Park until Nov. 12

Artwork and creative writing from children and teens at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center is on display at the Texas Medical Center's Helix Park from Oct. 21 to Nov. 12, according to an October news release from The Periwinkle Foundation.

The details

The Periwinkle Foundation is a Houston-based nonprofit that serves children and families cared for at Texas Children's Hospital who are challenged by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, per its website. The foundation presents the Making A Mark exhibit as part of its Periwinkle Arts In Medicine program, per the release.

The public display features more than 40 original pieces of individual art and creative writings by children with cancer and blood disorders, and can be found on the first floor of the TMC3 Building at the 37-acre Helix Park development.

Why it matters

Doug Suggitt, executive director of The Periwinkle Foundation, said in the release that the availability of artistic opportunities in health care settings can be a vital resource in helping patients cope with an acute illness.

Art enhances the healing environment and treatment experience and is particularly helpful in relieving stress in children who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment or blood transfusions, according to the release. Making music, singing songs, dancing, watching plays, writing poetry and creating visual art can be an important part of the healing process.

• 7255 Helix Park Drive, Houston
• www.periwinklefoundation.org