Integrating art in healthcare settings might seem abnormal when we’re used to separating science from creative arts, not realizing both can coexist and provide answers that transcend beyond hospital walls. Like how science is dedicated to accuracy and objectivity, art is a craft that requires the vulnerability and courage to take risks while discovering and expressing different parts of ourselves to the world.

When taught to children, including our Girl Scouts, art should be taught in a way relevant to their current life experiences and learning level. At The Walter Hive, our Girl Scouts enter a space that ignites creativity and encourages them to break through fear and judgement when creating.

Before starting The Walter Hive, Founders Mary and Kirk Strawn were primary healthcare professionals, Mary as a physician in pediatrics, and Kirk as a family doctor. While working with their patients, they each saw the impact that art can have on someone’s healing process. Mary used art to help burn survivors cope with injuries and trauma, and Kirk practiced acupuncture and stress reduction techniques – learning that healing looks different for everybody.

“Art was a distraction from their external circumstances and a way to express their internal circumstances without needing words,” said Mary. “These kids deal with their injuries forever – they deal with being bullied, with pain, and chronic issues, but the skill of being able to express themselves through art is a lifelong skill.”

“During my work, I was exposed to complementary and alternative types of healing, and I started to understand that healing can have a lot of different doorways,” said Kirk. “It’s not just about writing a prescription or getting surgery – a lot of people don’t respond, and a lot of conditions don’t respond to medicine.”

With two facilities in Scottsdale, including an art gallery and a maker space, Mary and Kirk have taken their knowledge to give back to the community and share the power of creative self-expression. In their makerspace, The Walter Dome, our Girl Scouts have participated in welding workshops, fairy housebuilding, stamp carving, and more – teaching them how to problem solve, manage their time, and work together as a team to create something beautiful.

“Art is a strong communication tool because you don’t need words, you don’t need to speak the same language – art is a way to express yourself, learn, and communicate with those around you,” said Mary.

As a program partner, The Walter Hive, supplements the skills and values girls learn through Girl Scouting. Whether by teaching them how to use power tools or create something meaningful to them, girls learn about resilience and overcoming challenges – developing a skill set that will stay with them forever.

Published in the 2023 fall issue of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council’s Girl Scout Connections.