Published on June 15, 2018
In 1860, Florence Nightingale wrote about the importance of art for comfort and healing in her Notes on Nursing.
“Variety of form and brilliancy of color in the objects presented to patients are actual means of recovery.”
“I have enjoyed seeing all the artwork. It really feeds my soul with beauty and hope.” –Alive Hospice family member
At Alive, we always strive to create a warm and peaceful environment for our patients and their families. Paintings, photographs, gardens, stained-glass windows, and comfortable furniture all contribute to the tranquil setting. Last fall, we worked with local talent to expand our art exhibits at the Murfreesboro and Nashville residences. We now open new shows featuring philanthropic artists every few months. Artist receptions are held when new art is hung in the galleries.
The artwork is available to purchase with 25 percent of proceeds going to hospice care for those who could not afford it on their own. The art comforts patients and visitors and gives community art lovers a reason to get to know Alive before they ever need our services.
“Art has the ability to touch us deeply and profoundly, in our most vulnerable moments. The gallery brings that to our residences and helps make them warm, loving, and peaceful,” says Heather Kantor, one of Alive’s development officers. “Visitors can escape within the canvas and explore another realm.”
Husband Hopes to Inspire with Wife’s Art
David Wood will be loaning his late wife Beth’s art to Alive’s Nashville residence in June. Beth was a self-taught artist who honed her skills in her free time when she wasn’t teaching. The two loved to travel and took many special trips to the coast throughout their years together. Beth’s art reflects those visits from Carmel on the wild north coast of California, to peaceful Sanibel Island in Florida, to the quaint fishing towns of Maine. When they learned that Beth’s cancer could not be cured, they chose Alive to help make the most of their remaining time together.
“Beth wanted quality of life. Not just time. We chose to stop treatment when we knew a cure was impossible. Alive enabled me to keep Beth at home until the end, and we were able to share the most precious moments we ever had,” said Wood.
In sharing Beth’s art, he hopes to also share these lessons with others.
“I want Beth’s art to inspire people to do what they are passionate about, not just be caught up in the day to day.”