Art class for cancer patients celebrates 20 year anniversary in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Ridley-Tree Cancer Center at Samsum Clinic is honoring a local artist and art instructor for his 20 years of service to cancer patients in Santa Barbara.

The Cancer Center is honoring local artist and art instructor Rick Stich for his work with the Samsum Clinic in providing an art outlet to patients in the program.

The Clinic says Stich has helped hundreds find a means of creative expression and relaxation during their cancer journey in his weekly "Painting the Pictures of Health" sessions.

Stich gave the following statement:

“Many patients tell me they have never been to an art class. It is great to see them come in, switch the channel, paint and laugh and find out they can produce a beautiful and original picture. What a joy it is to watch people light up that way. It has been a great joy and privilege to come and paint with patients interested in exploring their creativity.”

Rick Stich

Paintings created in Stich's class were featured in the reception areas on all three floors of Ridley-Tree Cancer Center.

Patient art will also be displayed in the modernized Nuclear Medicine Department in 2020.

The free art class is funded by the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara and is rooted in current research which shows these kinds of therapies play an important and meaningful healing role.

For more information on the art class at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, click here.