Abstract Experiences and the Spaciousness of Nature Evoked in Paintings by Susan Strauss.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – 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 third season 2012, at its 1085 North Main St., headquarters in Providence.
The power of Arts in Healing is demonstrated by compelling patient histories and validated by remarkable evidence-based research. As defined by the National Endowment for the Arts, it is "an international movement that works to infuse the full spectrum of the arts into healthcare settings, including design, visual, performing and literary arts, resulting in programs and healthcare environments that are welcoming and uplifting for caregivers, patients, their families and visitors." Public Art Works seeks to enhance the quality of life by making art accessible to all by way of public and private art installations.
"Art can have a powerful and positive impact on one's well being, emotions, attitudes and beliefs," says Diana Franchitto, president & CEO of Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island. "All of us at HHCRI continue to enjoy the eclectic works of art that our collaboration with Public Art Works allows us to enjoy and appreciate."
In her early years, Westport, Massachusetts resident Susan Strauss, was exposed to many different art forms and encouraged by her family to make art. She says "Art has been a life long learning experience". Painting directly from nature, Susan feels the connection, the joy and peace she felt as a child. Working on large canvasses in oil, she paints in layers of color and marks that she says "are abstract experiences of the spaciousness of nature". The palette is peaceful and the images have a meditative quality. "I am committed to exploring with a sense of wonder in my paintings. I believe that this energy of seeing is what connects the work to the viewer."
Artists interested in submitting their work may visit www.publicartri.com for additional information. For more information about Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island's services, visit www.hhcri.org or call 401-415-4200.
Public Art Works
Public Art Works is a group of professional Rhode Island based artists working to promote art in public spaces. Inspired by a shared belief that art is essential for the common interests and well-being of the community, Nancy Gaucher-Thomas, Kenneth Speiser and Merle Mainelli Poulton have joined together in a collaborative effort to identify and/or create site specific works of art for public and private installation.
Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island
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.