Showcasing the artist within

As always, a beautiful experience. One that brings together community, people, and art. This event always inspires so many of those around us, it facilitates and creates new relationships, brings smiles, connections, and sometimes tears. This program is a true gift to our organization.

It's amazing how much joy the art show brings to visitors and staff. When I see them pause and reflect on the piece they're enjoying, I can actually see that for a moment whatever troubles their day has brought, they are transformed to a better place, and it makes all the hard work worth it!

This year Delaware's Governor, the Honorable John Carney, made a visit the the exhibition and spent time touring, learning about the artists, and asking questions about the artwork. This exhibit, in it's 13th year,  continues to be a highlight of the year for many employees and their families. 

This was another successful year of showcasing the artist within! I love how this show promotes a sense of connection among the staff. Every year I overhear conversations among staff members that was sparked from viewing this annual exhibit. Some comments are “I love seeing all the artwork in this hall”, “I love this time of year!”, “You should keep the art up all year.

Overall, this was such a success. The joy from the reception was palpable and unlike anything we have hosted here at S. Joes. Seeing people light up that their artwork was on display, the joy of those who won, and the engagement from patients and families was such a gift.

The National Arts Program exhibitions are part of the solution to this crisis of priorities. We need to continue to plant seeds for the future, to promote art education, and to ensure that more people are exposed and nurtured in the arts, so the next generation of Americans does not have to deal with the question: why is art important?

This event is the highlight of the summer for VCU Health. Our patients, guests, volunteers, staff and their family members all look forward to the National Arts Program Exhibit. I even notice a positive attitude change in each person as they view the exhibit. Many are amazed at the employees' caliber of artistic talents.

The annual NAP sponsored Employee Art Show brings so much joy to everyone at the airport. People love to share their and their family’s creative side and have a chance to come together and celebrate at the reception. This year was a great success!

I applaud the National Arts Program for your commitment to the arts and to encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate in such a lovely show. There are so many stories attached to the beautiful art and it brings me much joy to be the vehicle that brings this program to our hospitals.

We value the opportunity to provide such a pleasurable opportunity for collaboration and community among the participants who range from airline personnel, security officers and airport administration.

I am glad that the artists get a platform to showcase their talent. Speaking of which, Centro San Antonio, a local placemaking organization, recently visited the VIA Employee Art Exhibit, and they were very impressed with the exhibit. In partnership with them, they would like to feature our employee artwork through their Art Everywhere initiative. They will feature eight VIA employee artists in window spaces in and around downtown San Antonio. This is just another way that our partnership with NAP has impacted our artists and furthered their reach to the community. I really enjoy the stories of our employees and how this program inspires them to channel their creativity.

We had live music, refreshments, and our new Mayor was there in person to hand out awards. Our Mayor, Natalie Rogers was so fun to present with because her enthusiasm for the program was palpable. She stayed after the ceremony for a long time, talking with with families and taking photos with artists. Santa Rosa is grateful for this stalwart, community enriching program and tradition. 

As always, we heard nothing but great things about the exhibit. Comments included...Absolutely amazing! We have talented staff! Beautiful, creative pieces! Thank you so much for this wonderful pathway. Walking through this relaxes the mind and uplifts the spirit!