About
Mission
The Alfano Family Arts in Medicine (AIM) Studio strives to empower patients, families and medical workers through artistic expression and play before and during the rigors of treatment.
Our Values
Art is for everyone
Each individual has their own unique way of self-expression
a universal safe space
The studio is a universal safe space. Each person can create a space to fit their unique needs.
embrace Process
We believe that both mistakes and experimentation are part of making art!
building community
Art creates moments for individuals to engage, learn, relax, create, build and relate on their own terms.
Meet Our Director
Nitza
AIM Director, Nitza "Pizza" Danieli is a sculptor who works in stone, concrete, plaster, clay, and mixed
media. In 2007, Nitza established as an Artist-in-Residence at Columbia University Medical Center in the Pediatric Neurology Clinic and in the Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, serving their outpatient clinic and inpatient setting. In 2015 she took on the role of Director of AIM, working with patients, their families and managing the incredible team of visiting artists and volunteers. During her directorship, the program has expanded to other hospitals as part of Hope & Heroes greater mission. Beyond our hospital partnerships, Nitza also established a long-term collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering group tours for families, to provide meaningful time for connection, reflection and mutual support.
Program Origins
The earliest incarnation of AIM was a collaboration between Dr. Wilma Siegel, an accomplished artist and retired oncologist, and Dr. Arnold Gold, a world renowned Pediatric Neurologist. Founded on the firm belief that art heals, Drs. Siegel and Gold worked to offer comfort and care to patients and those who support them.
The AIM Studio was so well received by patients, families and physicians, it was expanded to the Herbert Irving Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology/Hematology Clinic.
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In 2004 The Arts in Medicine Studio was started in earnest in Columbia’s Pediatric Neurology Clinic. Artists-in-Residence, Barbara Marco and Linda Oifer set up two large tables covered with many art supplies. Before long the tables became a hub for patients, their families and caretakers, and medical staff to participate in artmaking.
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In 2015, Barbara Marco moved to California and Nitza Danieli (an Artist-in-Residence since 2007) was appointed as the program director.
Starting in 2018, Hope & Heroes, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization took on the program. Hope & Heroes funds research on childhood cancer and blood disorders, while investing in programs that support healing and quality of life for patients and families during treatment. This partnership allowed the program to expand to other hospitals in the tri-state area, as well as partnerships with arts institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a universal environment that welcomes individuals to make the space they need while awaiting medical care and treatment. The studio is an uncritical environment where individuals engage in a process-oriented approach to art-making.
This artist-run program facilitates creativity and play in clinical settings, museums and online. We work to provide access to a wide range of materials and methods, so that individuals can work with materials and processes that suit their unique ideas.
The studio is a vision of community: a versitile, mobile hub for patients, families, caregivers and healthcare workers. All are welcome! Patients join in before, during or after treatment to create, imagine and play. For families and caregivers, the studio can be a place to network with other members of the community, or to take a moment to flow in a process of making something new. For medical workers or hospital staff, the studio can provide an oasis of calm in a physically and psychologically demanding environment.
