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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 536-1120 | |
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August 2 , 2007 | |
SMH to Present Art of Healing Exhibition New program to support the art and science of healing | |
| PLYMOUTH, N.H. --- To create a soothing and welcoming environment for patients and visitors is the primary goal of Speare Memorial Hospital’s new Art of Healing program: a series of exhibitions featuring the work of noted central New Hampshire artists. The first exhibition, which opens Thursday, August 16, will be installed in the hospital’s public corridors linked by the Main Entrance Atrium and be accessible from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. The work of artists Mary Bohn, Christine Hodecker and Cheryl Johnson will be showcased. |  |
| "The idea for using public corridors in the hospital as gallery space was born out of a need to "decorate" our recently completed renovation and expansion project, but more importantly to create a warm and welcoming environment," explains SMH´s Director of Development Susan Durgy. "The act of viewing art provides an opportunity for reflection and solace, and can have a soothing effect on patients and visitors alike." | |
| Durgy notes that research as shown the visual arts can promote psychological healing. In fact, the healthcare systems in Japan and Britain are actively involved in exploring the premise that “pleasing the eyes and the ears will help people recover” (New Scientist, 6/22/02). | |
| Digital Mammography Linked to the Art of Healing´s Fundraising Goals | |
| While creating a visually appealing hospital environment is the primary goal, the Art of Healing program is also designed as a fundraiser for selected hospital programs and departments. For the coming year, the goal is to help raise the more than $400,000 needed to purchase digital mammography equipment. | |
| "Most of us have a relative, friend, neighbor or coworker who has been affected by breast cancer," says Durgy. "Digital mammography has been shown to improve earlier detection, particularly in younger women, and save lives. Through the Art of Healing, we hope to support both the art and science of the healing process." | |
| All the art on exhibit at Speare Memorial Hospital will be for sale. Prospective buyers will need to contact the artists directly to make purchasing agreements, and artists will donate a portion of their sales back to Speare Memorial Hospital. However, all art will remain on display until the close of the exhibition in late September. | |
| Durgy says, "We´ve had a lot of enthusiasm from artists and the community about the Art of Healing program, and are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition." | |
| Speare Memorial Hospital is a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider serving Plymouth and the communities of central New Hampshire for more than a century. | |
| Michele Barney Hutchins Director of Community Relations Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 238-6468 mhutchins@spearehospital.com | |