“The Tree of Many Colors” provided lots of stimulation from creating art, allowing the kids to travel away from hospital routine and loneliness.

Artists John DeFaro and Color Us Well treated Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to an art workshop, “The Tree of Many Colors” on Friday, December 18th, just in time for the holidays!

As a continuation of his contributed artwork, DeFaro started his workshop by drawing a bare tree on a large canvas, stating “It was fun to bring another tree out of the Color Us Well Coloring Book and make it larger.” It was amazing to witness how long the kids remained calm and excited knowing the Tree drawn by John DeFaro was waiting for their leaves. DeFaro provided outlined swirly leaves in all different sizes and shapes on paper, instructing the children to color them in any way they want.

We were incredibly inspired to see how creative the children got with their leaves! Using various color combos and patterns, their involvement and interest lasted much longer than usual activity workshops. Defaro said “Many kids were introduced to a simple collaboration first by owning their artworks ‘momentarily’ and then by learning that ‘letting go’ of their individual creations created something larger and more colorful. The final artwork, The Tree of Many Colors’ communicated more good feelings when everyone witnessed the results. The Team effort, although a few hours, symbolized the vast amount of people power it takes to achieve the Hospital’s mission. Making lives better.”

Melissa Langley, a Child Life Specialist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, was thrilled that Color Us Well  presented them with the finished collaborative artwork. She remarked, “The kids have a chance to be a part of Joe DiMaggio history that they can come back to see for years to come!”

Photograph taken by Jerry Lang, www.universitystudios.com

Photograph taken by Jerry Lang, www.universitystudios.com

Photograph taken by Jerry Lang, www.universitystudios.com

The kids watched in amazement as John lays the "groundwork" for the tree.

Photograph taken by Jerry Lang, www.universitystudios.com

Photograph taken by Jerry Lang, www.universitystudios.com

Jill Ruddy and Elyssa Renert proudly showing off the Color Us Well coloring book. Photography taken by Jerry Lang, University Studios

John DeFaro placing the children's colored leaves on the tree.

"The Tree of Many Colors" at The Color Us Well art workshop. Photo by Jerry Lang, www.universitystudios.com

The kids pointing out their own creations which became a collaborative work of art

Color Us Well is a fun, inspirational and charitable project that looks to improve the lives of children in the hospital through creativity and self-expression.

Uniting local talent, Color Us Well has put together this coloring book, featuring original artwork by artists in the community. Both our acclaimed and aspiring artists have designed a coloring book page with their unique style and message of hope. What makes Color Us Well particularly extraordinary is the collection of diverse artists, enriching each child with a new creative experience.

Color Us Well is providing the gift of creativity for children who need it the most with the belief that art can heal. A picture is worth a thousand words and we are hoping that Color Us Well will bring a thousand smiles!

Jill Ruddy, Elyssa’s dear friend and former design co-worker, was so supportive of the cause and enthralled with the project, that she took a lead role as Creative Director in developing the coloring book and expanding it to a whole new level by including artwork made by other children.

Noelle Kasbar, the media director, took on this important role due to her love for children, culture, and her seasoned experience in media and marketing. She will be using many media outlets to help launch this project and spread the good word!

Color Us Well is a fun, inspirational and charitable project that looks to improve the lives of children in the hospital through creativity and self-expression.

Uniting local talent, Color Us Well has put together this coloring book, featuring original artwork by artists in the community. Both our acclaimed and aspiring artists have designed a coloring book page with their unique style and message of hope. What makes Color Us Well particularly extraordinary is the collection of diverse artists, enriching each child with a new creative experience.

Color Us Well is providing the gift of creativity for children who need it the most with the belief that art can heal. A picture is worth a thousand words and we are hoping that Color Us Well will bring a thousand smiles!