PITTSBURGH, PA (October 30, 2025) – Family House, a nonprofit providing affordable lodging and supportive services to patients and caregivers traveling to Pittsburgh for medical care, is expanding its healing mission through the power of art. Thanks to a grant from The Fine Foundation, the organization has launched “Aiding the Healthcare Journey with Regional Contemporary Art” (AHJRCA), a new initiative designed to incorporate works by Southwestern Pennsylvania artists into Family House’s communal spaces.
The art initiative unveiling is being held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Family House’s facility in Shadyside during a private event.
Recognizing the therapeutic impact art can have on individuals undergoing treatment, Family House integrated thematically designed artwork throughout its newly consolidated facility in 2022 and is now building on that vision with AHJRCA.
The project is led by Guest Curator Barbara L. Jones, Curator Emerita, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, who is volunteering her expertise to oversee the acquisition and installation of the selected pieces. Jones will also guide Family House in recognizing and promoting participating artists, including creating digital engagement opportunities through QR codes and online artist profiles on Family House’s website.
“I have always believed that art has the power to comfort, connect, and inspire healing. Through this initiative, we are not only enriching the Family House environment for thousands of patients and caregivers each year but also giving artists from this region a meaningful platform to share their work. It was my privilege to reconnect with and work with these artists on this impactful project, one that we hope will continue in the future.”
Family House will collect guest feedback as part of the program to better understand the impact of art on healing, stress reduction, and community building within its environment.
“The artwork in this therapeutic art initiative is beautiful and inspiring, and The Fine Foundation is so proud to support Family House to make it happen,” said Mike Smith, Executive Director of the Fine Foundation. “By enlivening these communal spaces with art from regional artists, the Foundation hopes that patients and their families will feel even more at home at Family House.”
The artists participating in the project are as follows:
- Atticus Adams, Pittsburgh, PA – https://www.atticusadams.com/
- Rick Armstrong, Murrysville, PA – https://www.raphoto.net/
- Larry Brandstetter, Pittsburgh, PA – https://www.esalart.org
- Charlee Brodsky, Pittsburgh, PA – https://www.charleebrodskyphotography.com/
- Cynthia Cooley, Verona, PA – http://cynthiacooley.com/
- Pamela Cooper, Greensburg, PA – https://pamelacooperart.com/
- Ron Donoughe, Pittsburgh, PA – https://donoughe.com/
- Scott Hunter, Pittsburgh, PA – https://www.scotthunterfineart.com/
- Maura Keeney, Latrobe, PA – https://www.maurakoehlerkeeney.com/
- David Ludwig (1946-2011), Greensburg, PA
- Duncan MacDiarmid, Pittsburgh, PA – https://thefiretreeproject.org/lead-artist.html
- Richard McWherter, Derry, PA – https://www.richardmcwherter.com/
- Jim Murphy, Ligonier, PA – https://www.jimmurphyphotography.com/
- Kevin O’Toole, Greensburg, PA – https://www.conceptgallery.com/artist/kevin-otoole/
- Mark Perrott, Pittsburgh, PA – https://markperrott.com/
- John Burt Sanders, Pittsburgh, PA – https://indivisbler.com
- Richard Stoner, Latrobe, PA – https://www.richardstonerphotography.com/
- Gary Zak, West Mifflin, PA – https://garyzak.com
“Family House recognizes that healing extends beyond medical care — it is about nurturing the mind and spirit as well,” stated John Plante, Executive Director, Family House. “We are beyond grateful for The Fine Foundation, Barbara Jones, and the creativity of local artists that helped to surround our guests with art that brings comfort, inspiration, and hope during some of life’s most challenging moments.”
For profiles on each artist and more information on the AHJRCA initiative, visit https://familyhouse.org/art-gallery.
To support Family House, please visit www.familyhouse.org/donate.
About Family House
Family House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that provides a special “home away from home” for patients and their families who are in Pittsburgh seeking medical treatment. Governed by a community Board of Directors, Family House offers convenient, affordable housing to reduce the emotional and financial stress for people facing a medical crisis in a city where they may be strangers.
To learn more about the organization and how to get involved, go to www.familyhouse.org.
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