For Immediate Release
Monday, June 9, 2014
Health Foundation showcases Centre of Hope art exhibit
Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Health Foundation proudly invites the community to view the Centre of Hope’s new homelessness awareness art exhibit at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre. The exhibit is part of the Health Foundation’s Healing Halls Art Program and came as a result of HOPE in the ART, an interactive creative reflection that kicked off Homelessness Awareness Week in Wood Buffalo last month.
The Centre of Hope hosted HOPE in the ART in collaboration with Arts Council Wood Buffalo, “I am a person first” Stigma Reduction Program and the Northern Lights Health Foundation. Artists of all kinds displayed or created artwork exploring the themes of what homelessness means to them and how it impacts our community.
“The event inspired collaboration; not just between four social profits in our community but between many different ages and backgrounds,” says Barbara Rex, Fund Development and Communications for the Centre of Hope. “The event was a success in so many ways and it just would not have been possible without all the amazing contributions. Thank you for giving a “Second Glance” at homelessness in our community.”
A selection of the works from HOPE in the ART now form part of the special art exhibit, which brings awareness to the homeless population within Wood Buffalo. The community is welcome to purchase pieces of art from the exhibit, with a portion of sale proceeds donated to the Health Foundation.
The Health Foundation’s Healing Halls Art Program uses art within the Health Centre to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of patients, families and staff. A growing body of research demonstrates how art effectively creates an atmosphere of caring, warmth, healing and hope within health care settings. Since launching, the program has been very well received, boasting art from various local artists.
“The Healing Halls Art Program combines the passion we have for improving health care in our community, with the passion local artists have to inspire and move people through their artistic expressions,” says Christina Baker, Special Projects and Administrative Officer for the Health Foundation. “We’re so excited to collaborate with the Centre of Hope, and to help share their message of stigma reduction through art.”
“We’re very excited to be collaborating with the Health Foundation’s Healing Halls Art Program,” says Rex. “We know this will bring a level of awareness that will inspire people to reflect on homelessness in our municipality.”
If you are interested in purchasing an item from the Healing Halls Art Program, or are an artist looking to contribute, please contact the Health Foundation at 780.788.1559 or email foundation@nlhf.ca.
About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. For more information, visit www.nlhf.ca
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For more information, please contact:
Amelia Schofield
Northern Lights Health Foundation
Tel: 780-788-1324 Email: amelia.schofield@albertahealthservices.ca
Barbara Rex
Centre of Hope
Tel: 587-646-4904 (ext. 228) Cell: 587-646-4904
Constance Scarlett
Arts Council Wood Buffalo
Tel: 780-993-2704 Email: constance.scarlett@artscouncil.ca