Twice a year, the walls at St. Luke’s Hospital are transformed into those that would rival any art gallery across the nation. In case you have not had the chance to see, St. Luke’s Hospital is fortunate to display some of the most beautiful, original artwork in Polk County. Coordinated by the Tryon Painters and Sculptors (TPS), the revolving exhibit changes approximately every six months. What once was a small exhibit now features 130 pieces from 40 community artists.
The art exhibit has expanded from only covering the St. Luke’s back hall to now include the inpatient hallway leading to the nurse’s station and the walls of several departments and waiting rooms. Much appreciation is given to Jean Wright and PJ Rosen from TPS for coordinating this art gallery. It takes much preparation to pull off this feat.
Anyone interested in displaying an oil painting, a watercolor, or a sculpture that can hang on a wall, can call Jean Wright with TPS at 828-859-8359. This rotation will hang from August 2014 – February 2015.  
To be included in the exhibit, TPS will need the artwork delivered to the classroom at St. Luke’s Hospital on Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9.
Artwork should be ready to hang with secure wire (no brackets) and clearly labeled (title, media, price, your name and your contact information). Remember to sign a St. Luke’s liability waiver, which will be in a folder on the classroom table. Current exhibitors may pick up their artwork during this timeframe.
There is no limit on the number of works an artist can submit, but remember:
• Because the exhibit is in a public space, nudes are not appropriate.
• The halls have high traffic. Fragile items are not suggested. There are a few protected spaces where we have successfully hung clay masks.
• Call Jean at 859-8359 to discuss display opportunities for sculpture.
“PJ and I enjoy coordinating the exhibit. Not only do we get to see all of the artwork, we personally experience a small slice of how much the St. Luke’s staff, visitors and patients enjoy the exhibit,” said Jean Wright, organizer and artist with TPS. “Just walk the halls and watch how much the St. Luke’s Hospital patients, staff, volunteers and visitors enjoy the art. It is a healing presence in the halls of the hospital.”
“We’re extremely pleased to provide a venue for local artists to display their talent, but we’re also hopeful that these original paintings are truly healing arts,” said Ken Shull, St. Luke’s Hospital CEO. “Not only will staff and visitors appreciate creative expressions, I know our patients have and will benefit greatly.”
– article submitted by Jennifer Wilson