The Phipps Center for the Arts

The Healing Arts Program: A Collaboration of Hudson Hospital and The Phipps Center for the Arts

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.

Reception: Friday, Feb. 15, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Currently on view at Hudson Hospital are the gentle floral photographs of Mara Hollenbeck. Hollenbeck's vision encourages the viewer to appreciate the abstrace composition and subtle color palette of roses, orchids and hydrangeas. The photographs, printed on silk, give the familiar images a softer and more intriguing presentation, simple and understated with a timeless quality.

Also on view are Kristin Skiles' nature themed steel repousse, metal and stone bonsai sculptures by Dean Rehpohl, contemporary functional pottery by Robert Harom, Sue Rowe's delightful and expressive bears,m Norbert Marklin's evocative color photographs of a Midwestern winter, Kim Gordon's energetic plain air landscapes, and Ken Olson's sensitive photographic documentation of Asian people and cultures. Graceful and accomplished watercolors by Batherine Hearding and Paul Kivlin's skillful photographs of regional scenes round out the current exhibit.

Also on view are Mary Barrett's strong nature-themed prints, subtle and expressive oils by Elizabeth Papenfuss, charming landscapes by David Brock, elegant florals by Susan Zinschlauge, Jean Accola's delicate watercolors, James Sullivan's perceptive photo-journal of a trip to India, beautiful watercolors from local artist Donna Kidd, and Sue Kyllonen's elegant black and white horse photographs.

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.