Original paintings, plaques from old hospital offered to local artists, donors and families
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Parkview Whitley Foundation director Carrie Hoffman, above at left, presents to sisters Yvonna Jones and Teressa Johnson their mother’s watercolor painting, which hung in the old hospital from the mid-1970s to 2011.
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When Whitley County Memorial Hospital was built 60 years ago, someone unknown to us today was assigned the challenging task of selecting the matted and framed prints that would hang on the walls throughout the hospital. Altogether, nearly 200 framed prints and several original paintings brightened the rooms and hallways over the years.
Also, throughout the decades major additions were built at the hospital, remodeling took place or a new service was introduced. Oftentimes a project was sponsored by a generous member of the community. As a result, a plaque would be manufactured and placed nearby on a wall, establishing a legacy for the donor. Many plaques were accumulated over 60 years at the hospital.
Prior to moving into the new hospital, two decisions were made that affected the future of both the wall art and plaques at the old hospital. First, the prints would be donated to any not-for-profit that could use them, except for the original paintings, which would be returned to the artists or the artists’ family members. Carrie Hoffman, Parkview Whitley Foundation director, is spearheading the initiative to find and return the original art to the rightful owners.
Second, the numerous plaques were to be taken down close to the move date to the new hospital, individually photographed and stored while, again, family members associated with the plaques were given the opportunity to retrieve them if they wished. Hoffman is supervising this undertaking as well. Two or three collages depicting the plaques will be made and hung in the hospital in a location yet to be determined.
Passages, Inc., of Columbia City, is a community organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities or other challenges to thrive in the community at work, at home and at play. Not only did Passages, Inc., purchase from the hospital the Lehmberg Medical Office Building on Oak Street to relocate its operations, but also took possession of the prints from the old hospital. The picture frames will be recycled to display artwork created by the men and women served by Passages, Inc. Their artwork will be on display and available to purchase during a silent auction at “Passages Presents: Pickles, Painting and Patrick,” to be held on March 16, 2012.
The first of the original paintings to find a new home was a watercolor painting by lifetime Columbia City resident Katie Jones, who gave art lessons and was a member of the Whitley County Art Guild. Together with her husband, Louis, they ran a small buisiness for art, framing, matting and woodworking called Art Shack 609.
In the mid-1970s, both were diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses within a few months of each other, and received care and healing at Whitley County Memorial Hospital. Grateful for the care they received, Katie painted a rural-scene watercolor and Louis matted and framed it. The dedication on the painting reads: “To the nurses and aides of Whitley County Memorial Hospital, in appreciation for your tender, loving care. – Louis & Katie Jones.” The painting hung in the second-floor hallway, across from the Medical/Surgical nurses station.
The painting was returned to the Jones’ three daughters, Yvonna Jones, Teressa Johnson and Yolonda Johnson.