Saint Elizabeths Foyer

Woodworker and educator Matt Barinholtz received a grant through DCCAH to craft an installation in the foyer of the new hospital at Saint Elizabeths. The artist used the metaphor of the water craft to depict the residents' journey from where they started upon their arrival at the secure psychiatric facility to where they hope to go in the future. The finished pieces are stunning and should be seen in person.


Through this grant, I was hired to photograph the foyer and I also developed a relationship with an artist's group at the Hospital called Lens and Pens. I have volunteered there on a number of occasions and am now a part of the board of directors offering technical, presentational and curricular support. The images that the residents took were stellar, however, most can only be shown within the walls of the facility to protect patient confidentiality.

The hospital often conjures up negative feeling because of the horrors of the past, however, I witnessed a wonderful and dedicated staff that was fulling giving to the residents of the John Howard Building. Many blessings to all those who work and reside at the facility.