January 10, 2006, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin - The Wisconsin Heart Hospital, 10000 W. Blue Mound Road in Wauwatosa, will host "Art in the Atrium," an exhibit of children’s artwork, in celebration of National Heart Month this February. Original works from students of Holy Family Parish School, 4849 N. Wildwood Avenue in Whitefish Bay, will be on display in the hospital’s two, main-floor atriums from February 5 through 28.

Holy Family, a Catholic school with an enrollment of 236 students in 4-K through 8th grade, has established "Prescription for a Loving Heart" as the artistic theme for submissions. Students are challenged to convey their recommendations for a lifetime of heart health and good works.  Each child will pay a $1 entry fee; the proceeds will be donated to the local chapter of the American Heart Association. 

"This project gives children the opportunity to be creative in a ‘real-life’ scenario," says Beth Algiers-Manley, a Holy Family parent and former cardiac nurse who helped spearhead the project.  "It also teaches them some valuable lessons. At Holy Family, our mission calls us to help children learn how to be healthy and in mind, body and spirit. We also want them to share their gifts with others...to reach out to the community around them."

Holy Family principal Janice Stauske believes the project will benefit students on many levels. "Art leads us to a higher level of living, loving and learning," she says.

"We are thrilled to bring the art of children to our hospital," says Norma McCutcheon, president of The Wisconsin Heart Hospital. "This is a celebration of creativity, hope, compassion and health. It can provide inspiration to patients, families, caregivers and others who walk through our doors."

Artwork will be judged by Milwaukee Public Schools’ art teacher Dona Laufer, Brenda Stephens, a retired West Allis elementary school teacher, and others. Winners will be selected in four age categories.  A gallery opening and awards ceremony for students, parents and teachers, sponsored by The Wisconsin Heart Hospital and Wisconsin Heart and Vascular Clinics SC, is scheduled for February 12. 

The Wisconsin Heart Hospital is metro Milwaukee’s only cardiovascular hospital, featuring top cardiac specialists, cutting-edge treatments and a highly efficient setting. The hospital has a full-service, 24-hour emergency department staffed by board-certified emergency physicians.