1st Annual "Students' Art Project"
More than 700 students from Mason County participated in the competition, from which 40 winning pictures were framed and displayed in patient rooms at MGH. The framed poster pictured here was given to MGH in memory of Mary Penney, a charter member of the Arts Commission who passed away in 2009. The poster was arranged by Cliff Ferrara of Art Talks, Shelton, from a selection of pieces of original student art. It was the showpiece used to advertise the month-long public exhibit of student artwork last December at Art Talks, prior to installation in the hospital.
Bob Appel, CEO at MGH; Jen Capps, MGH director of development; Darryl Cleveland, Peg Stock, Gerri Roberts, Terri Thompson, and Karen Burger, all members of the MGH Arts Commission, help display a recent donation from the Arts Commission to MGH. The piece of art is a poster that was framed and used to publicize the Arts Commission’s 1st Annual “Students’ Art Project” held last December.
Bronze Statue Donation
"Kimberley T., a larger-than-life-bronze statue that once graced Highway 101 at the original The Bronze Works near Taylor Towne, has now found a permanent home on the grounds of the northwest side of Mason General Hospital. The ballerina sculpture was donated by Norma A. Taylor, former owner of “The Bronze Works” and founding member of the MGH Foundation’s Arts Commission. Sculptor, Brenda Maltz created this fitting sculpture. The new aggregate pedestal and installation of the bronze piece were donated by Frank and Marie Bishop in memory of their late son, Ernest Bishop.
"The 800-pound sculpture was refurbished by The Bronze Works in Tacoma and was placed on its permanent location with the use of a fork lift from Taylor Shellfish Farms. To preserve the grass at MGH, a “track” leading to the pedestal was built of plywood, donated by Olympic Panel. The MGHF Arts Commission oversaw the project which now adds to the collection of artwork at MGH.
The Bishops are shown here with their son, Brett, (far left) handing a generous check to pay for the installation to Don Wilson, hospital commissioner.
Donation Increases Arts Collection
Gene and Mona Carlson donated to the Mason General Hospital Foundation Arts Commission six original oils by their late friend, Lynn Winans, a noted San Diego artist; and one print by Olaf Wieghorst, a well-known western artist.
The Carlsons retired to Mason County, residing at Alderbrook Country Club until a couple of years ago, when they moved to the Alpine Way Retirement Apartments. As lovers and collectors of art, they accumulated more pieces than they had room for in their new home. In lieu of selling the artwork piece-by-piece for private collections, they chose to donate pieces to the MGHF Arts Commission for the benefit of many: patients, staff, and visitors.
The MGH Arts Commission was formed in 1992. Its mission is to aid in the promotion of health and healing at Mason General Hospital, through integrating quality art in the hospital environments. Its charge is the acquisition of art to aid in the healing of patients, and for the enjoyment of all who come to Mason General Hospital. Although the Commission has purchased some pieces, both sculptures and framed paintings, the majority of the hospital collection has come from donors. Anyone interested in donating art should contact the Arts Commission through the MGH Development office at (360) 427-3623, from Allyn, (360) 275-8614.
A Healing Philosophy
We believe that art contributes to healing. Healing is accomplished when the needs of the spirit, as well was the body, are addressed. Art serves as a connection to society as a whole.
Some art pieces are permanently placed, including sculptures, and an etched glass room divider, but most are periodically rotated throughout the hospital. The commission also provides seasonal art displays, supports the Peninsula Art Association exhibit and engages in fundraising activities.