The Finely Crafted Life

As an art therapist, Pat Hayes understands the powerful influence of creativity and group camaraderie on the healing process.

For several years, Pat has collaborated with Rays of Hope in Springfield, MA, USA,  offering carefully constructed art and craft workshops for breast cancer survivors.  Her wide experience in the art world, coupled with degrees in communications and art therapy, prepared Pat for this unique mission.

Through art and craft-making, participants in Pat’s workshops move out of  ‘cancer mode’ and into a creative space to explore their self-image and celebrate self-expression.

Workshop topics range from silk-dyeing and painting to creating papier-mache masks, lampshades, and painted flowerpots.  A spirit of lightness and hope permeates the groups, as participants share both challenges and successes as survivors.

Article about Pat’s work in the Springfield Republican

Art Therapy improves quality of life for breast cancer patients – MSN