Detroit Country Day Student Artists Donate Masterpieces to Cheer Patients at the Children's Hospital of Michigan

With a goal of bringing cheer to young patients and their families, 38 student artists at Detroit Country Day School (DCDS) have filled the walls of the Children’s Hospital of Michigan with imagination and color by donating their artistic masterpieces for the 14th annual Art from the Heart program. The artwork was presented to the hospital during a special ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 18. DCDS Headmaster Glen Shilling made the announcement.

Established in 2002 as a collaborative program between DCDS and The Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Art from the Heart has grown into one of the most beloved acts of student philanthropy at the school. Each spring, Grace Serra, art advisor for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, carefully selects inspired pieces from artists in every grade level during the annual “Celebrate the Arts” festival hosted by the DCDS Friends of the Arts Association.

“Art from the Heart is one of the most enduring and inspiring artistic programs at DCDS and one that our school community looks forward to each year,” said Shilling. “Not only does the act of giving help students learn compassion, but each and every participant—from the youngest kindergarteners to our talented seniors—puts great thought into crafting their projects and is eager to share their work with the young patients at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.”

Over the years, DCDS students have donated more than 430 pieces of artwork to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. This year’s exhibit will be on display in the hospital’s cafeteria until next fall when each piece is moved to a permanent home in various locations throughout the hospital.

DCDS Friends of the Arts Association provides a grant each year to frame the students’ creations and host a special preview event and ceremony for the student-artists, family and friends. Friends of the Arts supports and promotes the Fine and Performing Arts curriculum, activities and programs of the students attending the school.

Detroit Country Day School offers students from preschool through high school an exemplary education rooted in academic rigor and a commitment to the full development of each student’s potential. The school is an independent, coeducational, non-denominational, college preparatory school nationally recognized for excellence in academics, athletics and the fine and performing arts. Founded in 1914 by F. Alden Shaw, Detroit Country Day School today enrolls more than 1,500 students on four campuses located in Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.dcds.edu.