Healing Arts Gallery opens at Carson Valley Medical Center

Staff Reports

A collaborative effort between the Carson Valley Medical Center Hospital Foundation and the Carson Valley Arts Council has resulted in the creation of the Healing Arts Gallery with the work of 15 area artists on display at the medical center.

The Healing Arts Gallery officially opens with a reception, 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 28, at Carson Valley Medical Center, 1107 Highway 395, Gardnerville. The event features the artists and their work, refreshments, and a raffle for a wine bar donated by J&M Furniture.

Artwork is selected by its potential to promote a healing environment. Sales benefit the Hospital Foundation.

"We know that your surroundings can affect your mood, your behavior, and your outlook," said hospital spokesperson Shannon Albert. "In a hospital setting where we want patients to feel comfortable and at ease, we have an opportunity to make the atmosphere a healing one.

"In health care, we are discovering that art can all have profound healing effects on patients. Art brings a sense of freedom and joy to the spirit, which are things not often found in a hospital," Albert said.

Krissie Thornhill, a member of the Carson Valley Arts Council Board of Directors, said the project is part of CVAC's vision to provide residents a rich quality of life and to strengthen our community through the arts.

"By partnering with the CVMC Hospital Foundation, we are working together to build an environment for artists and art organizations to thrive," Thornhill said. "This new alliance works toward our vision to create a culturally vibrant community united and inspired by the arts."

Information, cvmchospital.org/giving or 782-1554.