New Jersey Stage published its 25,000th story in December 2021. As the site approached the milestone, we posed the question on social media as how we should celebrate.  One response was to highlight our favorite stories from over the years.  We liked this idea, but could not narrow things down to just 25 favorites so we will present a favorite each day from different genres. Today's choice is a look at the artwork of neurologist Dr. Noah Gilson and how he uses his photography to creating a "healing space". It's a piece called The Healing Power of Art.

The feature was published on August 25, 2018 and is available here. His artwork is found throughout his office and in hospitals such as Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch and Riverview Hospital in Red Bank.

“It sort of breaks the barrier between myself and my patients,” said Dr. Gilson.  “It’s something that is neutral. Neurological conditions can be pretty nerve-wracking.  When the first thing you talk about is photography or art - anything other than why they are there - it breaks the ice and it creates a more mutual environment.  And, I think, more of a healing environment.”