What is the Art for Recovery volunteer program?
You will have an opportunity to encourage patients to express their creative spirit at a time when they are dealing with deep feelings. You will work both at the bedside, in waiting areas, and in the outpatient infusion unit. You will be supervised by the Director of Art for Recovery, Amy Van Cleve. If you are interested, you may work in the Art for Recovery studio working on specific projects.
Who is qualified to participate?
Volunteers represent a caring presence, offering creative support, and listen with openness and understanding. If you are a student enrolled in fine arts, psychology, or an expressive arts program -- or if you are an artist, musician, writer/poet, photographer, videographer, or media editor -- then you qualify. You must be psychologically aware (many patients are seriously ill), comfortable working with people who are very sick and may die, sensitive to the needs of the patients, and be comfortable in a hospital setting. You must also have an awareness of art materials, be able to assess the artistic/writing ability of patients to find the best possible expression for them, and provide a non-judgmental and safe environment.
Some other qualifications of ours include:
- You are 18 years old, and comfortable with working with adult patients in a hospital setting. We do not work with children.
- You are an active artist, musician, writer, or other expressive artist – Please provide your portfolio if applicable.
- You are located in San Francisco and can commit to a minimum of four hours volunteering in our studio locations (Mission Bay, Mount Zion & Berkeley Outpatient Center).
- Volunteer hours must be completed during business hours. Art for Recovery operates Monday through Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM. A staff must be present.
What do I have to do to participate?
You must first complete our questionnaire. If you are a good fit for our program, you will be asked to attend an interview with the Director of Art for Recovery Amy Van Cleve and Art for Recovery Volunteer Coordinator Elias Medici to evaluate if this is a good match. You will then be asked to contact UCSF Volunteer Services (415.353.1673) to proceed with onboarding. Onboarding will include a TB test, proof of immunizations, and attendance of a UCSF orientation. Once you receive an identification badge, Art for Recovery will hold an additional training orientation with their program before you begin working with patients.
What is required of the volunteer program?
You will be asked to volunteer about 4 hours per week. You will be given art materials and asked to complete information on the patients you work with. You will also be required to attend a monthly meeting with the Art for Recovery Volunteer Coordinator and Director. It will be mandatory for you to follow all rules and regulations of UCSF.
Can I get university credit?
Each student should contact the director of Art for Recovery individually regarding this issue.
What else do I need to know?
This volunteer program will give you an opportunity to reconnect with your own creative spirit. The patients will be your teachers and you will learn from them as well as learn new things about yourself.