At The Rockwell Museum, we believe in the power of art to transform how we see the world—and ourselves.
With that in mind, we’re excited to introduce the Art & Healing Guide, a new resource developed in collaboration with local care organizations to support reflection, connection, and comfort through art.
Made possible with support by Art Bridges, this guide is designed to help visitors engage with works of art through the lens of personal experience. It focuses on themes like memory, illness, mental health, grief, and resilience—universal experiences that connect us all. Each featured artwork is paired with thoughtful prompts, guiding questions, and community reflections to invite a more personal interaction with the art.
“This guide is a testament to the power of art in fostering connection and healing,” said Erin M. Coe, executive director of the The Rockwell Museum. “We’ve created a resource that invites visitors to reflect, find comfort, and explore their emotions in a meaningful way.”
The project was shaped with insight from several regional partners, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Bampa’s House, CareFirstNY, and Memory Maker Consulting. Staff, volunteers, and community members from these organizations shared their perspectives, which are woven throughout the guide.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our partners for their contributions,” says Mary Mix, director of education at The Rockwell and lead on the project. “Their voices helped us create something that feels real, grounded, and deeply human. Museums are for everyone, and this guide aims to make visitors feel empowered in their personal experiences with art.”
Sweet Inspiration
This project is one of several initiatives supported by a Learning & Engagement Grant from Art Bridges. This year, “Untitled,” (L.A.), by Felix Gonzalez-Torres joined The Rockwell galleries on loan from Art Bridges and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This important artwork sparked new connections and community programs. The Gonzalez-Torres artwork can be viewed at The Rockwell Museum through December 2025.
“The installation brings attention to love, loss, remembrance, and grief, but also to joy,” says Amanda Lett, curator of collections and exhibitions. “The candy’s sweet, citrusy flavor adds a sensory layer to the emotional themes.”
Alongside this installation, the guide features nine additional pieces from The Rockwell’s permanent collection, each chosen for its potential to spark reflection and connection. Visitors can pick up a copy at the museum or download it at any time.
We invite you to explore the guide during your next visit. Whether you’re reflecting on your own experiences or simply curious about the ways art can support healing, we hope this resource offers a meaningful path forward.
DOWNLOAD THE ART & HEALING GUIDE
Honoring a Legacy
The Art & Healing Guide is dedicated to the memory of Tali Sutton, former CEO of CareFirstNY, who passed away in early 2025. Tali was a strong advocate for community care and a generous supporter of this collaboration. Her vision and compassion live on through this project.
About Art Bridges
Art Bridges Foundation is the vision of philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton. Founded in 2017, Art Bridges creates and supports projects that share works of American art with communities across the United States and its territories. Art Bridges partners with a growing network of over 250 museums of all sizes—impacting more than 20 million people nationwide—to provide financial and strategic support for exhibitions, collection loans, and programs designed to educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local communities. The Art Bridges Collection represents an expanding vision of American art from the 19th century to present day and encompasses multiple media and voices. For more information, visit artbridgesfoundation.org.
