The transformative power of art has been employed with regularity at the Louis Vuitton Creative Arts Program at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific. Patients contending with disabilities take hold of the paint brush, and regardless of artistic skill, come away with boosted confidence and self-esteem.

“;They blossom,”; says Ko Miyatake, president of the REHAB Foundation. “;The whole process is beautiful to see.”;

The foundation just released a 2009 calendar featuring some of the finest works from the 35 artist-patients in the program. Each month features a painting and picture of the artist along with the artist's statement.

Buster Medeiros' October contribution features his landscape painting and a picture of him painting with his mouth.

“;With the conclusion of each (art) session, I feel that I have learned something new, and with that, I feel my confidence growing leaps and bounds. I now look to the future and can't imagine it without art somehow playing a large role,”; Medeiros says in his statement.

Miyatake says the calendar is a thank you to donors who support the hospital. Besides Louis Vuitton's contributions, which allow for free art lessons and supplies, other benefactors hold golf tournaments, wine events or simply make donations.

The calendar is $13 at the hospital, 226 N. Kuakini St. Call 531-3511 or visit http://www.rehabhospital.org.