COOKEVILLE – The hallways of Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) are beginning to fill with the works of local and regional artists. These creations are said to help patients, hospital staff and visitors find relief and distraction from what can be stressful situations.
The Art for Healing program was organized through the Foundation at CRMC in 2012 and has provided CRMC with 28 works of art for display so far. Nineteen two-dimensional pieces including paintings, drawings and photographs have been hung throughout the halls of the hospital. Nine recent acquisitions of three-dimensional works from artists at the Appalachian Center for Craft are awaiting special display systems, which can only be built when funding is secured.
“We are proud that Cookeville Regional Medical Center is home for such fine works of art; and are appreciative of the positive impact such art has for patients, visitors and staff while in the hospital,” Paul Korth, CEO, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, said.
Works of art have been acquired through exhibition events where buyers become “sponsors” of a work that’s donated to the medical center for its permanent collection. An acquisition committee reviews each proposed piece for certain criteria. Every effort is made to assure that each piece added to the collection has a positive message for patients. Viewers will notice a plaque beside each piece that includes both the artist’s and the sponsor’s name, and in many cases an “in honor of” or “in memory of” dedication.
Art already in the hospital’s collection prior to the Art for Healing program include a wood sculpture by Brad Sells in the hospital’s lobby, a painting by Joan Derryberry in the entry to the Professional Office Building, a weaving by Jim Bassler in the entry to the Professional Office Building, and a landscape painting by Chris Koczwara on the balcony of the North Tower lobby.
“Building on the collection of works by these fine artists is exciting,” said Sally Crain-Jager, chair of the Art for Healing acquisition committee. “The efforts are being made to create a permanent collection of art from other outstanding local artists; creating a history and legacy of the accomplishments of fine artists in our region. Their work serves as a record of the unusual number of professional artists in our community.”
John Bell, executive director of the Foundation at CRMC added, “I am so grateful to the community of local artists that support the Art for Healing program, and especially to Sally and the members of the acquisition committee. I share their common belief that art can have a calming, transformative and healing effect; and I am proud to be a part of ensuring that art has a place in the healing process at CRMC.”
Funding for the Art for Healing program is needed to build custom display cases. The Foundation is also seeking donations of works of art that may be sold with proceeds benefiting Foundation programs. For more information, call the Foundation office at (931) 783-2003 or visit www.thecrmcfoundation.org.
Members of the acquisition committee include Ward Doubet, chair of the art department at Tennessee Tech University (TTU); Dr. Walter Derryberry, retired physician and art collector; Stacie Netherton, artist and assistant director of the Putnam County Library; Arlene Dubo, artist and manager of ART a la carte gallery; and Amy Jo Carpenter, manager of the Student to Career Program at the TTU College of Business.
