Art in Architecture and Nature, Photographs by Aaron Usher on Exhibit at Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island

Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island (HHCRI), the state’s leader in hospice and palliative care since 1976, highlights the work of Rhode Island artists in its second season 2011, at its 1085 North Main St., headquarters in Providence.

Making art accessible through public and private partnerships is just one of the objectives that makes Public Art Works, a group of professional Rhode Island-based artists, an important entity in the promotion of art in public space. Public Art Works began working with HHCRI toward the end of 2009. "Highlighting the work of area artists while providing a visual respite for patients, family members and staff remains an important goal for Public Art Works. So much has been written about the healing arts and the role that the arts play in everyday life. We are happy to be part of the HHCRI success story", says Nancy Gaucher-Thomas, member of Public Art Works.

"The intensity of what our families and staff go through at the end of life is sobering", says Diana Franchitto, President & CEO of Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island. "So it's important to provide a nice setting. We've been diligent in our efforts to create an environment that promotes comfort, calm and peace. Our collaboration with Public Art Works supports this goal", continues Franchitto. "Aaron Usher's photographs are simply stunning."

An ongoing series, entitled Beauty in the Everyday, highlights commonplace subjects, but treated in a fun, creative way that proves that there are interesting gems everywhere and open for all to find. Aaron Usher's photo of a mature dandelion shows a strong graphic pattern of nature's intricate detail, that while you don't want them in your lawn, you truly are in awe of their delicate existence. It's the little things that give us joy and purpose in pursuing our passions and that is what Aaron seek as he photographs.

Aaron, a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, lives in Pawtucket with his wife Lynn and daughters Kaitlyn and Cali. He is active in the Preservation Society of Pawtucket, the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative, the Blackstone River Theater and several photographic associations, including the National Association of Photoshop Professionals.

Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island has been a leader in hospice and palliative care for more than three decades and helps people live out the remaining time of their lives with as much comfort and dignity as possible. Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island offers comprehensive medical, emotional and spiritual care for people facing life-challenging illnesses. Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island is an independent, non-profit, Medicare- and Medicaid-certified organization fully licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health and accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program.