Fresh Air 2011
For the Love of Art
In one room of the normally bustling hospital, it was unusually quiet. For about an hour the Respiratory Care Center residents didn't think about being connected to ventilators, or when their next therapy session would be.
Instead, they soaked in the beauty of each scene and thrilled at nature's colors. They relaxed to the soothing music accompanying the photos being shown on the screen. They allowed themselves to be transported to a different world- Ireland and the mountains of east Tennessee.
Art can have that affect on people.
The photography presentation by David Young, of Louisville, Tennessee, was the latest in a series of artist visits designed to share with residents all that the arts have to offer. Visitors have included local artists and some from outside the Mt. Vernon region.
"I realized that we are fortunate to have an abundance of talented people in this region, and they are willing to give back to the community," said Ann Abney, Activities coordinator. "This means residents don't have to miss out on this important aspect of life while they're staying here."
Rockcastle Regional was fortunate to be among a limited number of stops the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) made in Kentucky this year. Now in its 80th season, the NSO regularly participates in events of national and international importance, including performances for state occasions, presidential inaugurations and official holiday celebrations.
"We learned the NSO was coming to Kentucky, applied through the Kentucky Arts Council, and were fortunate to be selected," said Ann. "The musicians were so gracious and wonderful with our residents." And, consistent with its strong relationship with Rockcastle County Schools, the facility invited the high school's senior band to experience the performance as well. The arts programs also offer Rockcastle Regional residents an outlet to share their expertise and talent with each other. That was the case when quilting was the art form. Several residents provided guidance to others who were quilting for the first time.
The artists' visits also offer new experiences. Resident Lisa Haddox had many questions for local potter Nancy Mullins as she demonstrated using a pottery wheel.
"Ms. Mullins is nice. I liked to watch her make pottery on the wheel," said Lisa. "I had never seen a wheel before. Now I want to make pottery, too. It was fun to see what the pottery looked liked when it was done. I want her to come back."
A retired teacher, Nancy said she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for creating art from porcelain.
Whether hands-on, such as at a pottery wheel or quilting, or sitting back and listening, as in a photo demonstration or concert, the arts are alive and well at Rockcastle Regional.
Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center Copyright © 2009
145 Newcomb Avenue - Mt. Vernon, Kentucky 40456 Ph: (606) 256-2195 E: info@rhrcc.org
Rockcastle Medical Arts Ph: (606) 256-4148
