VARA KAMIN

Background Summary

VKI founder, Artist and Distinguished Fellow Vara Kamin is recognized as a pioneer and thought leader in the field of art and healing. The evolution of Kamin’s career into the healing arts is derived from decades of mindfulness based training and practice, and the cultivation and integration of creative self-expression.

“Vara Kamin is acknowledged as a pioneer in the field of art and healing, and is now recognized as a leader in this phenomenon”
(Rollins, 2011 HERD Journal Vol4 No3 PP.72-94)

Vara Kamin is a graduate of Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing, Boston, MA and a former Public Health Nurse.  Kamin’s broad range of experience is reflective of her background in health care and her lifelong interest and studies in literature, philosophy, meditative practices, color and design.

In 1980, after a decade in nursing and healthcare administration, Kamin pursued her artistic/writing career. Published credits include: Family Circle Magazine, Ladies Home Journal and other national magazines as well as the publication of an original collection of Fables entitled The Gold Key in the Mahogany Box (Putnam Berkley Publishing). The Fables were the focus of lectures and workshops on compassionate conversation throughout the US and in South America.

Kamin’s original works of art have been commissioned by various health care, commercial and residential clients throughout the country. For over 20 years, a selected number of Kamin’s paintings have been replicated and placed in hospitals and healing centers throughout the US in a wide variety of adult and pediatric clinical care settings. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Children’s Hospital Boston, Vanderbilt University Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Seoul, Korea, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA and Hennepin County Medical Center Minneapolis, MN are among the extended list of hospital placements.

In February 2012, Kamin received the designation of an Arts and Health Distinguished Fellow for her outstanding vision, leadership and commitment to excellence in the field of Art and Healing.