July 6, 2001

The MGH always has been dedicated to improving the comfort and lives of all patients. That care took on an extra dimension at an opening reception for the Illuminations art exhibit program on the Hematology/Oncology Outpatient Unit June 28.

Illuminations is a rotating art exhibit housed in the MGH Cancer Center. The program was created to bring enlightenment and inspiration in the form of art to cancer patients undergoing treatment at the hospital. Soothing paintings, photography, drawings, collages and other artistic expressions, crafted by local artists, are displayed throughout the Cancer Center for one season at a time. All pieces focus on the themes of life and human experience.

From left, artists MacInnes, Patton, Plum, Crowley and Andrews.

The exhibit, funded by a gift from The Friends of the MGH Cancer Center, was planned and organized by a committee led by Joelle Reed, communications manager for the MGH Cancer Center.

The opening reception marked the unveiling of work by six area artists, including MGHers Arch MacInnes, director of publications for MGH Public Affairs, who showed three collages, and Ellen Patton of the MGH Cancer Center, who displayed her photography. The other artists are: Karen Andrews of Lenox, Mass., who contributed a series of photographs; Julia Blackbourn of Cambridge, who displayed watercolor paintings; David Crowley of Rockport, who showed watercolor and oil paintings; and Mauny Plum of Boston, who contributed two watercolor paintings.

Each artist also prepared a written summary describing the methods and inspiration for their creations.

Bruce Chabner, MD, clinical director of the MGH Cancer Center, explained the significance of the program in his opening remarks. "We hope that this artwork will make the Cancer Center a place that people will feel comfortable in and interested in," he said. "Illuminations exists not only to provide art but also to express the heart of the community."

Barbara Cashavelly, RN, MSNT, nurse leader of the MGH Hematology/Oncology Outpatient Unit, added that the exhibit had surpassed everyone's expectations. "Seeing this beautiful artwork, I am reminded of the purpose behind Illuminations — to make this a better place for our staff, families and especially patients," she said. "This program proves that care does not just involve medicine. It also is for the heart and soul, and that is what this art is all about."

For more information about Illuminations, call (617) 726-2689.