Pablo Picasso once suggested, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
His observation is certainly a broad stroke, considering each one of us abides our own unique version of an everyday life.
And yet, art does seem to be a universal salve, both for those creating it and those exposed to it. Colors can be soothing or uplifting. Textures can be surprisingly fascinating, even positively transfixing. And, of course, images can transport the imagination and provide a distraction from discomfort. So it's no wonder art in healing spaces dates back as far as medieval times, when hospitals often doubled as repositories for some of the era's most beloved and notable artwork.
This is a notion embraced by our most recent social impact partner, The Foundation for Hospital Art, and they know just how to harness the power of artistic expression and observation. On Thursday, October 3, 130 guests gathered at The Cloister at Sea Island for a multi-day retreat. The renowned resort is always a welcoming host for KLH Group gatherings, encouraging respite and camaraderie while also accommodating our impact activities. And this one was truly special: the creation of five beautiful murals to be installed at various regional health facilities.
The day of impact was a warm afternoon spent strolling at leisure from a lush al fresco reception on the balcony to a colorful pop-up art studio on the patio below. Participants were able to mingle and dine, then choose among 30 different canvases to which they could lend an artful hand. No experience was needed - just a willingness to contribute a soothing sweep of a brush here, some compassionate color there. Some guests chose to put their touch on every canvas; others focused on those that most spoke to their own spirit. To watch the huge configuration of tables transform from blank canvasses to finished works of art in a matter of hours was remarkable. And to see the finished murals on display two nights later, at the final evening dinner, was truly soul-stirring.
Following the event at The Cloister, The Foundation for Hospital Art shepherded the murals to their new homes. "Dragon Flys" and "Bird Feeders" went to Brunswick, Georgia's Coastal Community Health Services, which embraces the community by seeking to meet the healthcare needs of the medically underserved residents and taking pride in helping that community become healthy. "Tropical Fish" and "Sailboat" landed at St. Simons by the Sea, a behavioral health facility for adults and adolescents struggling with mental health issues and addiction. Finally, "Bears" was installed at Pediatric Associates of Brunswick.
We are grateful to have been shown, and able to share, just how healing art can be. And we are also glad that a picture is worth a thousand words, because we couldn't possibly find all the ones needed to fully express our appreciation for our partners and participants in this wonderful event. Thank you!
