It's been said a picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to grieving children, it's worth evenmore. Art can be a window into the inner world of children too young or withdrawn to find the words that adequately expresses their grief over the loss of a loved one. Janelle Goh, a medical social worker with Hoffmann Hospice, said art is a medium through which grieving children may create their way to emotional healing. "Art helps children process feelings of loss and trauma," Goh said. "The great thing is, when it comes to art, there are no mistakes." With healing in ll1ind, Hoffmann introduced Heart Hoffmann counselor Vttnessa Armendariz visits with Isai Castillo during Children's Grief Support group. Art to its weekly Children's Grief Support group. Children and teens who attend the group are given a variety of art supplies and encouraged to share their grief, anger or other emotions through creative expression. Goh said the groups give children a safe place in which to share their feelings and to meet other children who have experienced a loss The camp will be held at Hoffmann's Bakersfield office on Brimhall Road. The art created at the camp will be on displayed at Russo's Bookstore in The Marketplace in January. Emily Dye helps brotherJake with a painting. like their own. "Children who have lost a loved one often feel alone and isolated," she said. "When they hear other kids talking abour those same feelings, they realize they're not so different and not so alone." Because children often say more through art than they are able to articulate, the projects produced by the group are telling, Goh said. Works in progress are carefully stored, completed projects are treated with reverance. The children, particularly those less inclined to chat, eagerly embrace each new project. Inspired by the group's response, Hoffmann will host its first annual Heart Art Camp for children and teens ages 7 to 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2l. The camp will give more local children the opportunity to discover the therapeutic value of art, Goh said. "It's just a visual way of helping kids understand what they're feeling," she said. "It's also a good way to communicate those feelings to parents." Miranda Sanchez shows off her handiwork. Heart Art Camp Open to children and teens ages 7 to 14 who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Hoffmann Hospice 8502 Brimhall Rd., Bldg. 100 Bakersfield, CA Tuesday, December 2 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Art materials and lunch are provided. There is no cost to attend, but seating is limited, so reservations ar required. For more information or to make a reservation, call 410-1010. Hoffmann Hospice gratefully acknowledges The Bakersfield Californian for the distribution of this publication in im~!t Ittkttjfitlb lalifornian HOFFMANN HOSPICE 8501 BRIMHALL ROAD· BLDG. 100 • BAKERSFIELD· CALIFORNIA· 93312 • PHONE (661) 410-1010 • FAX (661) 410-1110