South Central Regional Medical Center Seeks Art for the 4th Annual Art of Healing. The deadline for art submission has been extended to Monday, February 20th.

South Central Regional Medical Center invites area citizens to participate and attend the 4th Annual Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition to be held Saturday, March 24, 2012, at the  corporate headquarters of Sanderson Farms in Laurel. 

This event is an open auction and exhibition that invites professional and amateur artists in the surrounding area and across the state to donate all types of art for the event. The proceeds from the auction will go to fund community health screenings, community health education programs and other community health initiatives. The exhibition is intended to bring hope, healing and awareness to the community through the creation and appreciation of art. “We encourage artists to submit a brief narrative with their piece. They can donate their piece in honor of or in memory of someone they know who has been touched by a disease,” Jones said. “Those attending the Art of Healing event enjoy browsing the collection and reading the story behind each piece of art. Those who purchase art ask for the narrative because it adds interest to the piece.”

During the 2010 year alone more than 1,000 area residents participated in South Central Regional Medical Center’s health screenings and community health education programs. Life threatening conditions were found as a result of the activities. “It is nice to know that by donating a piece of art that you can help save lives,” Jones said. “The earlier a disease is found the better the outcome.”

Approximately 300 people attended the Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition in March of this year where over 200 pieces of art were sold at auction.  More than $23,000 was raised that evening and the funds have been used to help purchase health screening supplies and other items to support South Central’s community health initiative. This event offers everyone who has been touched by an illness the opportunity to experience healing through art. 

Erin Napier, owner of Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence and a local artist, said, “If you have an artistic ability, any kind of creative ability, I feel as an artist it is your responsibility to somehow find a way to give back to your community. I cannot think of a better cause than raising money for health screenings at South Central by donating art. It benefits your loved ones and all you have to give is your talent and time.”

Art categories for the Art of Healing include, but are not limited to: acrylic, jewelry, mosaic, oil, pencil, photography, pottery, printmaking, sculpture, stained glass, watercolor, wood work and more. If you are not an artist, but would like to be involved, you can purchase art, antiques, jewelry or other items to donate in honor of or in memory of someone close to you. “The first couple of years we had individuals who attended the event ask us to provide a new category for those who are not artists, but want to contribute art or other items of value. This year we added a category called Friends of the Foundation for these donations. “One couple donated a beautiful 6.24 karat blue topaz and diamond ring set in white gold valued at $1,800. Another individual donated a silver candlabra,” Jones said. “We cannot thank those enough who have contributed items in the past and we hope that they will continue to contribute items each year.”

Jones also extended appreciation to the management team and staff of Sanderson Farms for allowing South Central to have the event there. “We also have numerous sponsors each year who contribute funds to cover the cost of the food and beverages for the evening,” she said. They receive several free tickets to the event for their contribution. “So, as you can see, there are many opportunities to participate in the event,” Jones said.

Spreading the word to artists in our community is essential to the auction with the deadline for art submissions set for Monday, February 20, 2012. All artists are asked to complete a submission form which can be found online at scrmc.com. The submission form includes a section for a brief statement describing the piece and its significance.

If you are interested in submitting artwork or other items, please take the time to visit our website at scrmc.com, click on the Art of Healing link and complete the artist application. The application should be submitted with the piece of art. All art should be dropped off at South Central Place in Laurel at the Art of Healing Center between now and February 6th. If you would like more detailed information about participating in the event, please contact Brook Jones by phone at 601.399.0519 or by email at brook.jones@scrmc.com.

Tickets for the Art of Healing Auction and Exhibition will go on sell March 1, 2012 and the cost will be $30 per ticket. The evening includes a delicious selection of food and beverages. Those attending the event will enjoy music presented by a local musician.

Author:Becky Collins

Category:News

Tags:Art of Healing, South Central Health Care Foundation, Art