Larissa Trinder – Arts in Medicine & Healing
Art Heals All Wounds
05/28/25
•35m
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Discover how arts in medicine transform hospitals to support healing, well-being, and community engagement.
In this episode of Art Heals All Wounds, I sit down with Larissa Trinder, the Assistant Vice President for Arts in Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals. Larissa shares the transformative power of art within healthcare, discussing how intentional art initiatives and community engagement can improve hospital environments, support staff, and promote wellness for patients—including those in marginalized communities.
Key Topics Covered
· Larissa’s Path to Arts in Medicine:
Larissa shares her personal journey, starting with her son’s experience with dyslexia and the role of art in boosting his self-esteem, ultimately leading to his career as an animator.
· History of NYC Health + Hospitals’ Art Collection:
The hospital system holds over 7,500 works of art, one of the largest public art collections in NYC, originating from the 1930s Works Progress Administration. The collection includes iconic works like Abram Champanier’s Alice in Wonderland panels and a Keith Haring mural raising AIDS awareness.
· Art as a Tool for Engagement and Healing:
Larissa explains how art programs serve not just to beautify spaces, but to foster community, support staff well-being, and highlight critical social issues like gun violence and support for asylum seekers.
· Highlighted Projects:
o Art programs in correctional health services at Rikers Island, including a mural at the reentry center co-created by incarcerated individuals and artist Dindga McCannon.
o Guns Down, Life Up—an arts initiative embedded in hospital violence prevention programs.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
· Documentary Premiere:
Hidden Art Healing Walls will air on WNET’s Treasures of New York and all PBS stations in early 2026, showcasing the Art in Medicine program.
· Major Exhibition:
An exhibition of the Abram Champanier murals opens at the Museum of the City of New York, June–September 2026—the museum’s largest show of the year.
· New Exhibitions:
o We Belong Here (opens June 4, 2026): An exhibition highlighting immigrant support through NYC Care, with works by three immigrant artists displayed citywide.
o Housing for Health/Street Health Outreach: In collaboration with NYU’s Healing Arts Week (fall 2026), featuring art created by patients experiencing homelessness.
How to Learn More
· Bloomberg Connects App:
Search for NYC Health + Hospitals Arts in Medicine to view a digital collection and learn more about their programming.
· Official Website:
NYC Health + Hospitals – Arts in Medicine
(Note: The site is being updated but contains extensive information.)
· Book:
Healing Walls – Features photos and stories of the community mural program.
Connect with Art Heals All Wounds
Website: arthealsallwoundspodcast.com
Previous Episode
Selma Zollman – Music Therapy & Healing Through Song
May 14, 2025
•29m
Selma Zollman shares how music therapy in hospitals helps with grief, emotional healing, and creative well-being.
In this episode, I’m joined by Selma Zollman, a music therapist and member of Brazilian Voices—a nonprofit female vocal group based in South Florida. For over 22 years, Brazilian Voices has been bringing the tranquil sounds of Bossa Nova into hospitals, medical facilities, and schools, uplifting patients, families, and healthcare workers through music.
What You'll Hear:
- Pam’s personal journey with grief and how art and music can provide solace in times of loss.
- Selma Zollman’s story of following her passion for music therapy and joining Brazilian Voices.
- The transformative power of harmony—how Brazilian Voices uses soft, multi-part singing to create a gentle ambiance in hospitals, allowing patients, families, and staff to simply “be.”
- Why the group’s presence is about illumination, not cure, and how performing with “no expectations” brings peace for both singers and listeners.
- Heartfelt anecdotes about the response from patients (including those at end-of-life), their families, and healthcare workers touched by the music.
- Selma’s thoughts on the importance of expanding similar music programs to more hospitals and healthcare settings, despite the challenges around privacy and logistics.
- Ways to follow and learn more about Brazilian Voices, including their Instagram, Facebook, and website.
Learn More:
Find out more about Brazilian Voices:
Connect with the Show:
Host Pam Uzzell welcomes your feedback and stories. Reach out via arthealsallwoundspodcast.com.
Credits:
- Music in this episode: Ketsa, Lobo Loco, and Brazilian Voices
- Editing by Iva Hristova
Next Episode
Why Supporting the Arts Matters Now More Than Ever
June 11, 2025
•3m
I’m letting you know that the current season of Art Heals All Wounds—focused on arts in medicine—has come to an end and that the podcast will be going on a temporary break. My increased workload and other creative commitments necessitate some time away, but I intend to use this pause to return with renewed perspective and fresh ideas.
This is a challenging climate for the arts in the United States. Recent threats to arts funding is resulting in the rescinding of grants for many organizations, including some previously featured on the show. I hope listeners can support the local arts organizations whenever possible. I also encourage you to harness creativity as a tool for community connection and personal well-being.
Please send in suggestions and ideas for future episodes through the podcast’s website. Thank you to all of the listeners of this show! More to come!
Key Takeaways:
- The current season is ending; the podcast is taking a few months’ break but will return.
- Juggling a demanding day job and other creative projects, leading to the need for a pause.
- Recent political developments in the US threaten funding for the arts, impacting many organizations.
- Support local arts and cultural centers, especially during times of uncertainty.
- You are invited to share feedback and ideas for future episodes via arthealsallwoundspodcast.com.
- Gratitude is extended to the global creative community and the podcast’s listeners.
- Stay tuned—more episodes and inspiration are coming!
Links:
Contact:
Have suggestions or feedback? Reach out through the website!
Thanks for listening, and stay creative!
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