Art exhibit helps heal mind, body

North County Times – Escondido,CA,USA
ENCINITAS —- The 20 abstract and colorful paintings that adorn the
walls at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas are part of a hospital
program intended to …

ENCINITAS —- The 20 abstract and colorful paintings that adorn the walls at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas are part of a hospital program intended to brighten its walls as well as the spirits of those within them.

That’s exactly what internationally renowned artist and Cardiff resident Gerrit Greve said he hopes his “Dreaming Series” and “Water Series” paintings accomplish. Especially, he said, since people in recovery need “to be rejuvenated.”

Greve said his paintings, which are being exhibited as part of the hospital’s Arts for Healing Program, capture a rainbow of uplifting colors intended to “create a more healing atmosphere.” The Arts for Healing Program, which was started at the hospital in 2003, was designed to have that effect on patients, families, visitors and hospital staff.

While the patients may benefit from the uplifting visuals hanging along the white walls, artists are asked to donate 25 percent of proceeds from painting sales to the hospital.

Stacy Wilson, hospital director of development, said the program has raised more than $10,000 since it began.

“We’re grateful to the artists who display their art here, and are hopeful that patients and their families enjoy it,” she said.

As a former pre-med student, Greve said he believes art has a unique ability to inspire or calm people, which is the purpose behind the hospital’s program.

He said artists don’t normally hear how their work affects people, but he did learn that at least one patient had a positive reaction to his work.

In fact, he said, that patient called him to say that the painting “put her in a positive mode to look to the future.”

“That’s powerful stuff,” said Greve. “It’s obviously something near and dear to me.”

Indeed, Gina Ringgold of Paradise Hills, the patient who contacted Greve, said she was compelled to tell him that the painting, “Serene Ripples,” gave her the inspiration she needed while she recovers from surgery.

In the painting, she said she sees the expanding ripples surrounding the stone as symbolic of her journey to recover from the surgery.

“It was kind of like that rock was the beginning of the surgery, and the ripples were each step afterward,” she said.

Since Ringgold had a front and back spinal fusion, and a bone graft taken from her hip, she said moving around post-surgery has been somewhat difficult.

However, she said she decided to make the effort with a walker just so she could see the painting, which she first saw while waiting to have the surgery.

“It soothed me and brought down my anxiety,” she said, adding, “the colors just make me happy.”

She said she is now working with the artist to buy a smaller version of the painting so she will have a permanent reminder of its inspirational message.

Another patient, Mary Busacca of San Diego, said the paintings have helped lift her spirits.

Since Busacca was hospitalized for the third time in a year for complications associated with multiple sclerosis, she said she has learned how important it is to keep a positive attitude.

“This whole thing is about healing and giving me hope,” she said about the paintings.

She said paying attention to the “beauty in everything” is her way of overcoming the hurdles she faces.

“That’s important for every single person, and I’ve never taken it for granted,” she said.

She said she views the paintings as a gift for the patients.

“What’s so nice is each one captures you,” she said, adding that they fulfill feelings of “whatever you need at the time you are looking.”

Shannon Wingard is a freelance writer.