The Campbell River Plein Air Painters will be at the hospital food garden in Campbell River on June 14, crafting artworks inspired by the blooming garden.
These artworks will then be placed within the hospital as part of the Campbell River Arts Council in the Hospital Initiative.
“Art had tremendous therapeutic value when used in hospital environments,” said Ken Blackburn, the art council's executive director. “Patients, staff and visitors all benefit from the carefully curated, positive and healing aspects of artworks. The garden is an amazing extension of the therapeutic aims of our art initiative.”
Chuck DeSorcy, Greenways Land Trust's vice president, said during the planning phase of the hospital, the community was asked what it would like as far as an outside asset.
"After several community meetings the decision was to provide a garden that could serve the hospital staff, neighbours and overall community," he said. "As the design unfolded, a food forest based on permaculture principles and sustainable harvest was created with funding from several community partners. The growing food forest provides opportunities for food harvest, education, recuperation, exercise and relaxation in an embracing natural environment, all leading to improving health.”
DeSorcy will also be on site on June 14 to showcase the workings of the garden. The garden is located on the northeast section of the Campbell River Hospital grounds.
The Campbell River Plein Air Painters is a group of accomplished and emerging artists who meet regularly at the Sybil Andrews Cottage, as well as outdoor locations when weather allows. The artists are committed to fostering artistic appreciation within our community by exhibiting their varied painting styles and techniques.
Come and see them at work and learn about the food garden, on June 14, noon to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
