(West Chester, PA) - Carefully, 54 original pieces of art were wheeled through the halls of Chester County Hospital. They will soon adorn the new private patient rooms in the Hospital's 72-room expansion. Healing Art Works of Exton, PA coordinated the collaboration of artists nationwide willing to donate one-of-a-kind pieces to be hung in the Tower, set to open this summer.
Healing Art Works' motto - "healing through art - one room at a time" - captures the essence of the organization's principle. This local non-profit selects one health care institution for a two-year period, and provides that establishment with original artwork from generous and talented artists. These donated pieces are placed throughout the facility in patient-healing spaces, such as hospital rooms and family lounges.
Adding unique works of art in patient care spaces will complement Chester County Hospital's commitment to "Making Lives Better Every Day." Healing Art Works' contribution to this effort will make a difference for patients, families and staff members who will spend time in the Tower. New patient rooms will also include large windows to foster healing, another addition to improve the patient experience.
The featured artist for the Hospital project is local artist Lin Webber. Known for her Chester County, PA landscapes, Webber was excited to be chosen by the board of Healing Art Works. "Providing original art for patient and public rooms makes a lot of sense," Lin explained. "Sometimes you just need to lose yourself in something else beyond your health while waiting to be well enough to go home." She has donated a painting to every Healing Art Works project to date.
Art framer Steve Kress of Frame Fit Co. in Philadelphia delivered the paintings, and, while he is not part of Healing Art Works organization, he adds a contribution to the organization all his own. Kress generously discounts the framing of each piece of art, adding to the gift that has already been given to the Hospital. When asked why he began working with Healing Art Works five years ago, Kress explained, "I just thought it was a good thing to do." He added, "This will give rooms added brightness and help people feel better." The paintings will be stored until the opening of the Tower.
Chester County Hospital is the fifth institution to be the recipient of fine art from Healing Art Works. The organization has collected approximately 250 pieces of artwork from artists throughout the country. Other institutions who have partnered with Healing Art Works include Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, and Cooper University Hospital.
Related Information from Chester County Hospital: