Summer/Fall Healing Arts Program exhibit kicks off July 20 at Owatonna Hospital, online survey results
OWATONNA, Minn. 07/13/2010--The Healing Arts Program announces its third installation of its visual arts program series at Owatonna Hospital. The Healing Arts Programs is a collaboration between Owatonna Hospital and the Owatonna Arts Center to bring the visual arts, natural light, images and elements of nature to lessen stress and promote healing while in the Hospital. The new artwork will be on view from July 20 through the end of October.
The community is invited to a special Healing Arts Program reception where you can meet the artists Tuesday, July 20 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Owatonna Hospital. The works of Marian Alstad, watercolor; Lynne Baur, acrylic on canvas; Mick Benson, watercolor; Paul Rieffer, sculptor; and Sarah Schaleger, acrylic will be on display. This exhibit is underwritten by the Owatonna Hospital Foundation. The Owatonna Arts Center serves as the curator for this series.
At 5 p.m., hear from Sarah Schlaleger who will give a talk on guided healing visualization in the Owatonna Hospital Reflection Center. She will lead participants through a short healing visualization exercise, including insight about how to address illness through imagery and share her experience as a cancer patient to healer.
A recent online survey conducted by Owatonna Hospital and the Owatonna Arts Center confirms what has long been know about art being therapeutic to a person’s mind, body and spirit. Fifty people completed the online survey and results showed that 71 percent of respondents identified that art in a hospital setting offers a welcoming environment and 63 percent identified art in a hospital setting as lifting their spirits. When asked how important it is to have a rotating art exhibit in a hospital setting 82 percent indicated it was important to very important.
In late 2006, Owatonna Hospital also conducted a survey among community residents and the results of that survey showed that 100 percent of the 333 respondents indicated that having calm, comfortable, welcoming areas for visiting family and friends was a top priority to consider in the design of a new Hospital. Additional research at the national level supports the belief that the arts help create healing environments, support patient mental and emotional recovery, and foster positive working environments.
About Owatonna Hospital
Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Owatonna Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Steele County. Owatonna Hospital provides a full range of health care services including a birth center, emergency care, surgery and rehabilitation. Allina has built a replacement hospital in Owatonna, off Interstate 35.
About Owatonna Arts Center
The Owatonna Arts Center is a community non-for-profit organization. Our mission is to enrich the Owatonna area by engaging people in meaningful artistic experiences in a unique environment that fosters a sense of community. We are located at the West Hills complex. More information about the Owatonna Arts Center’s exhibits, classes and musical presentations can be found at www.oacarts.org # # #
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