Words And Watercolors For Cancer Patients

DANBURY –– The Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital will conduct a series of six-week classes called “ Words and Watercolors” for local cancer patients.

The first of six classes will be on Monday, September 28. The additional classes will be held on Mondays: October 6, 13, 27, November 3 and 10.

Classes are from 1 to 3 pm in the courtyard at the Praxair Cancer Center, First Floor, Stroock Building. Park free in the Red Parking Garage, Locust Avenue entrance.

While attending “Words and Watercolors” sessions, patients will learn to create their own watercolor painting and add words to enhance its meaning. No talent is required. Just enjoy self-expression through art and poetry.

“Words and Watercolors” sessions are taught by Rocco Colucci, a technical illustrator who was diagnosed with prostate cancer 11 years ago, and Laurie Arnold, RN, an oncology nurse at the Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital. Mr Colucci sees art as “a means for people to reach the inner strength that we all possess by drawing from the joy and peace that so often is hidden inside.” His art has helped bring joy, peace and healing to himself and he would like to show others how to bring it to temselves. Ms Arnold demonstrates how the positive effects come from self-expression through poetry and writing.

“The power of words and the ability of each person to speak from the soul always moves me,” she said. “By sharing my love of poetry and writing I try and encourage their use to give verbal expression to the painting.”

For more information and to register to attend “Words and Watercolors” sessions at the Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital, call Cancer Care Coordinator Joanne Ballerini, RN, at 797-7771. Class size is limited.