Healing Arts

The Healing Arts Program

The Healing Arts Program: A Collaboration of Hudson Hospital and The Phipps Center for the Arts
Friday, August 20th

In 2001, The Phipps Center for the Arts and Hudson Hospital embarked on an innovative collaboration to exhibit, acquire, and commission original work by regional artists. While the health care field has begun to embrace the understanding that a well-designed environment that integrates the visual arts can have a positive impact both on a patient’s healing process and on staff morale, the Healing Arts Program at Hudson Hospital is unique. It is the only one of its kind that involves a collaboration between two community-based organizations.

At any given time, work by several regional artists is on display in waiting areas, conference rooms, patient and staff corridors, procedure rooms, and patient rooms. Exhibits are rotated every three to four months, offering variety and interest for staff, as well as opportunities for many regional artists to participate.

Public Reception: Friday, August 20, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Project Art for Nature (PAN) artists create and share artwork to encourage protection, restoration, reconnection, and stewardship of natural communities of native plants and animals. Each of the 25 PAN artists chooses a natural area which they visit regularly throughout a two to three-year cycle. From observations, investigations and reflections of the plants, animals, geology, and ecology through the seasons, each artist creates artwork in their preferred media and style. Work by 12 PAN artists is on view in the Specialty Clinic through August 1.

The Third Annual Staff and Volunteer Art Show is on exhibit in the Main Corridor through September 19. This popular show features many varieties of arts and crafts made by our very talented staff members and volunteers. There will be a public reception to recognize these artists on Friday, June 18 in the Conference Center at Hudson Hospital & Clinics.

Sonja Van Guilder’s approach to watercolor is strong and intentional. She explains, “The philosophy behind my work centers around the idea that our world is always changing yet always faithful and constant. Whether through my illustrative landscapes or my love of contemporary calligraphy, the relationship between nature, art, and faith has been truly inspirational to me.”

Becky Jokela’s luminous pastels reflect the abundant beauty around her farm overlooking the Sogn Valley near Cannon Falls. “I love my surroundings and am inspired by nature and the changing seasons,” she comments. Jokela enjoys painting out of doors and uses the intense colors of chalk pastels to capture the richness of the natural world. Both Jokela’s and Van Guilders’ work is on view in the main corridor through August 1.

Other artists on exhibit at Hudson Hospital & Clinics are Sara Vail, Mic Hunter, and Photovoice through July 11; Michele McElmeel and Curtis Dale through August 1; as well as Betsy Ruth Byers and Katherine Hearding through September 19.

These and other regional artists working in a variety of media offer ongoing exhibits at Hudson Hospital. The Healing Arts Program which is a collaboration between Hudson Hospital and The Phipps Center for the Arts presents these exhibits free of charge and open to the public.

For more information on the healing arts program or to schedule a tour, please contact Margaret Welshons, Healing Arts Coordinator, at 715/531-6059, or mwelshons@hudsonhospital.org.