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Art with a Heart in Healthcare

The Art of Music

September 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026

three guitars painted by pediatric patients
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MOCA Jacksonville continues its partnership with Art with a Heart in Healthcare, a nonprofit organization that provides personalized art experiences to support the healing process for patients and families at local hospitals. Through the years, the program has developed different themes to encourage the patients to express themselves creatively, helping them articulate their feelings, ideas, and experience through art. The Art of Music features guitars transformed by pediatric patients from Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital into vibrant visual interpretations of their favorite songs. Art and music have the power to move us, comfort us, and express our most meaningful moments. We invite you to experience the creativity and courage of these young artists; to see how music inspires art, and how art, in turn, helps tell their stories of healing and hope.

2025 ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE
Dylan Bauer, Bob Drost, Heidi Drost, Kianna Godoy, Evan Guttormson, Jaycee Guttormson, Amy Irizarry, Brooke McKinney, Lisa Miyares, Jill Olmo, Matt Richards, Abigail Santos, and Micaela Yates, Alondra Hernandez Torres, Helen Meatte

Sponsored by the Florida Blue Foundation. This exhibition was made possible, in part, by the City of Jacksonville, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, the Donald and Maria Cox Fund, the Haskell Endowment, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the MOCA Director’s Circle, and the University of North Florida.

Patients

Art with a Heart patient Ariana with her work

Ariana

For Ariana, “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish is more than just a favorite song—it captures the deep bond she shares with her sister and best friend. No matter her mood, the track heightens her emotions, making each listen feel special. Her artwork features a soft blue gradient and three birds to represent their trio, with subtle touches drawn from the very album cover that brought them closer. In her free time, Ariana enjoys singing soprano, diving into romance and action novels, and gaming with friends. She hopes her guitar brings comfort to others and carries the same sense of connection that music gives her.

Ariana, age 16; Birds of a Feather 
Art with a Heart patient Brendan with his work

Brendan

Brendan’s artwork brings Kansas’ “Carry on My Wayward Son” to life through a powerful mix of imagery and emotion. His guitar features a phoenix rising, a symbol of resilience and transformation, beside a stairway to heaven that reflects his personal journey toward self-discovery. A character he designed stands on clouds, capturing the spirit of reflection and strength the song gives him. The piece honors both the music he shares with his mom and the growth he continues to embrace. Brendan hopes to inspire others to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

Brendan, age 17; Carry on My Wayward Son

Art with a Heart patient Christiana with her work

Christiana

Christiana fills the world with joy and color, whether she’s painting rainbows, playing Connect Four, or exploring new looks with makeup. Her guitar art, inspired by “Let It Go” from Frozen, bursts with vibrant colors, snowflakes, and stars that capture everything she loves about the movie. It is full of beauty, fun, and little details that make her smile and laugh. Christiana enjoys gymnastics, reading, and getting creative with arts and crafts. She hopes her guitar brings happiness to others and sparks the same warm feeling that music and her favorite movie give her. 

 Christiana, age 9; Let it Go

 

Art with a Heart patient Evie with her work

Evie

Evie connects deeply with the emotions behind music and visual art, often finding herself drawn into the stories and feelings they convey. Her painted guitar, inspired by “Love Grows” by Edison Lighthouse, features an anatomically correct heart, blooming flowers, and musical notes that symbolize how love can take root and flourish anywhere. A passionate artist and self-proclaimed music nerd, Evie enjoys working with charcoal, swimming, and longboarding. Through her creation, she expresses her belief that love grows when it is given freely and embraced with an open heart.

Evie, age 13; Love Grows

Art with a Heart patient Gianna with her work

Gianna

Gianna loves “Déjà vu” by Olivia Rodrigo for its catchy lyrics and vivid imagery. Her guitar design captures the dreamy, emotional vibe of the song through sunset-inspired colors and thoughtful, lyrical details. The calm and inspiration she finds in empowering artists like Lainey Wilson and Sabrina Carpenter also shine through her artistic choices. Known for her kindness, Gianna often creates thoughtful gifts, especially for friends who are unwell and for the people who care for her. Whether she is doing crafts, spending time with her family, or rewatching her favorite Tim Burton movies, she brings heart and joy to everything she does.

Gianna, age 9; Déjà Vu

Art with a Heart patient Jack with his work

Jack

Jack’s artwork brings the energy and emotion of Benson Boone’s “Mystical Magical” to life. For Jack, the song feels like a burst of joy that inspires him to dance, sing, and savor the moment. His artwork embodies this feeling with dreamy purples and blues, a sparkling disco ball, and playful symbols such as stars, ice cream, and a vintage movie camera. Each detail celebrates how music can transform an ordinary day into something magical. Jack enjoys painting still lifes of shark teeth, riding his bike, fishing, surfing, and exploring his favorite subject, science.

Jack, age 10; Mystical Magical

Art with a Heart patient JaMarion and his work

Ja’Marion

Ja’Marion’s guitar captures the carefree spirit of his favorite song, “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King. The music makes him feel relaxed, calm, and happy, and he hopes others experience the same sense of peace and joy when they see his artwork. His painting features Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba walking through a savanna scene, just like in the movie. If he could meet any character, it would be Timon the meerkat, and he would ask what it’s like to eat bugs all the time. Ja’Marion enjoys drawing, reading Harry Potter, spending time with friends, and playing with his two dogs, Tobye and KoKo.

Ja’ Marion; age 13; Hakuna Matata

Art with a Heart patient Kennedy with her work

Kennedy

Kennedy’s creation shares a story of strength, light, and joy through life’s challenges. During her hospital stays, music was her comfort. She danced to “Way Maker” in the hallways, using the wall rails as her ballet barre and lifting spirits as she passed by. This song gave her courage, even in the hardest moments. Her guitar displays a sunrise, wildflowers, and soft clouds—symbols of peace and hope. Kennedy loves country and worship music, caring for animals on her farm, and making jewelry. Through her painting, she hopes to remind others that even when times are tough, there is always light.

Kennedy, age 9; Way Maker

Art with a Heart patient Lela with her work

Lela

Lela’s artwork reflects the uplifting spirit of “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco, a song that carried her through challenging moments and brings back memories of singing at summer camp. A scroll with the words “fulfill the prophecy” and shimmering gold coins appear in her piece, representing dreams, courage, and perseverance. Whether she’s surfing, baking, or creating art, Lela turns to creativity to stay grounded and express her emotions. She decorated her guitar to share a sense of joy and remind others that no matter what they face, there is always a reason to keep moving forward.

Lela, age 11; High Hopes

Patients

Art with a Heart patient Madden with his work

Madden

Madden’s guitar expresses the feeling of growing up while holding onto joyful memories. Inspired by “7 Years” by Lukas Graham, his artwork blends sunsets, trees, and beach scenes to show how time moves even as special moments stay with us. Balloons drift through the design, representing childhood and celebration, while a clock reminds us to look back with wonder and look forward with hope. When he’s not drawing or imagining new ideas, Madden enjoys playing video games and swimming, always exploring the world in his own creative way. His guitar invites viewers to remember their own stories and smile.

Madden, age 8; 7 years

Art with a Heart patient Marihec with her work

Marihec

Marihec brings her roots to life through her artwork, inspired by the vibrant energy of “Hora Loca.” The song reminds her of summertime in Venezuela, full of color, beaches, and the joyful spirit of its people. Her guitar features playful symbols like broccoli to honor the artist, along with bright, colorful elements that celebrate her homeland. Music, drawing, and crafting are some of her favorite ways to express herself and stay connected to what she loves. She hopes her piece brings a smile to others and helps fellow Venezuelans feel a little more at home, no matter where they are.

Marihec, age 13; Hora Loca

Art with a Heart patient Miracle and her work

Miracle

Bold, creative, and full of heart, Miracle finds courage through music, especially “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. It serves as the soundtrack to some of her toughest moments, helping her push through surgeries and setbacks with determination. Her guitar is a powerful tribute to her resilience, featuring fireworks, boxing gloves, butterflies, and the weight of the halo she once wore. It also honors her grandad, who taught her piano, with touches of astrology and love. Whether dancing, cheering, or creating, Miracle’s message is clear: No matter the circumstance, you can overcome it.

Miracle, age 13; Fight Song

Art with a Heart patient Natalie with her work

Natalie

Natalie and her sister Zoey might not always get along, but they know they can count on each other. That’s why “I Always Wanted a Brother” from Mufasa: The Lion King means so much to her—it reminds her of the special bond they share. Together, they designed her guitar, which showcases lion brothers, bright flowers, African landscapes, and the words “Circle of Life” along the neck. Natalie loves activities that spark creativity and fun, from building Legos and playing basketball to jumping on the trampoline and doing science experiments.

Natalie, age 9; I Always Wanted a Brother

Art with a Heart patient Nevaeh with her work

Nevaeh

Nevaeh believes that no matter your age, you’re capable of achieving great things. Her favorite song, “Superstars” by Jay Roxxx, reminds her of good times with friends and lifts her spirits when she’s feeling down. She especially appreciates how the artist tells a story through music. Her guitar shares that message of strength and possibility, with glowing stars, shattered glass, and golden cracks lighting up a dark background. When she’s not playing guitar or listening to rock music, Nevaeh enjoys anything that sparks creativity and self-expression.

Nevaeh, age 13; Superstars

Art with a Heart patient Romeo with his work

Romeo

Romeo’s artwork reflects the calm, happy energy he feels when listening to “A Sailor’s Song” by Gigi Perez. His guitar painting includes a sunset, a dolphin leaping from the water, and the words “Love yourself” written along the neck of the guitar. The song reminds him of meeting one of his best friends and always helps him feel relaxed, even on difficult days. Romeo enjoys drawing, movie nights with his family, and spending time with his mom and brothers. He’s also a big fan of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Naruto, and Pokémon.

Romeo, age 13; A Sailor’s Song

Art with a Heart patient Tanner with his work

Tanner

When Tanner listens to “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” by Tame Impala, everything else fades away. The song gives him a sense of calm and control, much like the quiet moments he enjoys while shooting hoops or fishing alone. His guitar creation captures those peaceful vibes with a glowing sunset, rippling black-and-white patterns inspired by the album art, and a basketball at the center. Tanner hopes his artwork offers others the same grounded, focused feeling he finds in this song. When he’s not drawing or playing basketball, you’ll find him hanging out with friends or diving into advanced science and episodes of Dexter or Suits.

Tanner, age 14; New Person, Same Old Mistakes

Art with a Heart patient Xavier with his work

Xavier

For Xavier, “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. captures the feeling of real, lasting love. It reminds him of someone important from his past and makes him feel happy, vulnerable, and hopeful about love. His guitar artwork paints a dreamy scene: a couple floating above the clouds, surrounded by waterfalls and two doves on their wedding day. Through his art, Xavier wants people to feel that love and joy are not only real but can last forever. When he’s not listening to music or creating art (he’s working toward 100 original pieces!), Xavier enjoys anime, basketball, and learning about world history.

Xavier, age 17; Best Part