Founded in 2002, ArtWorks is dedicated to the establishment and support of creative and performing art exhibitions, titled Express Yourself, that feature the works of children and young adults suffering from life-threatening and chronic illnesses. ArtWorks recognizes the need these children and their siblings have to express their innermost thoughts and feelings, create an escape from the reality of their current situation and allow others to enter their hearts and minds. ArtWorks plans to raise significant funds that will help support creative art therapy programs in healthcare facilities that are financially unable to support them.

ArtWorks has planted roots in the therapeutic community by forging strong relationships with the child life staff and creative art therapists at dozens of hospitals and healthcare agencies in the New York Metropolitan Area. ArtWorks has successfully launched its Express Yourself exhibitions giving sick children, and their siblings, the opportunity to express themselves through paintings, drawings, music, song, dance and poetry. These exhibits have created a supportive environment where children are honored for their courage and celebrated for sharing their life experiences. Express Yourself has ultimately provided our participants with the unique experience of sharing their journey with friends, family and guests through a creative and therapeutic medium. It has given them something to work towards and look forward to during their many months of preparation.

ArtWorks sponsors a Traveling Art Show, displaying a sampling of artwork in gallery spaces within each participating healthcare facility and in local galleries. This increased exposure is geared toward educating the greater community by demonstrating the value of the arts as essential to the healing process.

ArtWorks was inspired by the life of Naomi Cohain. A spirited teenager, Naomi loved music, jewelry making and spending time with her family and friends. Her spontaneity and joy were often reflected in the rich bursts of color found in her paintings and jewelry. In July of 1994, at the age of 14, Naomi was diagnosed with bone cancer. With her world suddenly diminished, Naomi found herself separated from friends and extended family. Her creative moments, shared with her art therapist, became more significant. She looked forward to creating new crafts, even as her strength ebbed, so that she could give them as gifts to those around her. Rather than falling victim to her illness, Naomi empowered herself by using her art as a vehicle for self-expression, an emotional outlet and a source of comfort. In February of 1995, Naomi passed away at the tender age of 15.

Naomi's artwork continues to remain a true reflection of who she was-very colorful, very alive, very much Naomi.