Nearly 200 works of art by 46 community artists and photographers are on display in the hallways of St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus. The exhibit, titled Healing Art, is a permanent display curated by Tryon Painters & Sculptors (TPS) in which artwork is rotated every six months. In August, the exhibition will rotate to allow for new artists to show and sell their work and for patients to experience local arts as they heal.

“There are always patients and visitors walking the halls looking at the art,” Kathy Woodham, director of Marketing and Public Relations at St. Luke’s Hospital, said. “It beautifies the hospital, but I think that, for a lot of people, it’s also a distraction, a reminder of the beauty in life. Sometimes, especially when a loved one is being cared for, people need that.”

Artists who wish to submit work for the upcoming exhibit must drop it off at the St. Luke’s Hospital Classroom, located on the hallway connecting the front entrance to the ER entrance, on Friday, Aug. 5, or Saturday, Aug. 6. Any artist, regardless of affiliation with TPS, may submit, and there are no limits on the amount of submissions. Each submission must be clearly labeled with title, media, price, artist name, artist telephone number, and email address. Artists will be required to sign a liability waiver at the time of artwork delivery.

“Healing Art is a great opportunity for both budding and established artists to connect with viewers and buyers,” Jean Wright of TPS said. “St. Luke’s is a staple of our community, so it is a great space to show the great cultural life we have here and to support local artists.”

The art isn’t simply to support local artists, though, Woodham said. “Research in recent years has shown that art in hospitals can actually reduce pain, stress, and anxiety and even boost morale, both in patients and in employees. We love the fact that the exhibit shows what art ‘close to home’ looks like, but we also feel like the healing power of art adds to our exceptional care.”

Submissions must not be fragile as St. Luke’s Hospital is a high traffic area, must not include nudity or profanity, and must be ready to hang with a secure wire. Artists are encouraged to coordinate with TPS if they wish to submit sculptures.

For more information, please call Wright at 828-280-5777 or Paula Rosen at 864-978-9922.

– article submitted

by Cody Owens