Spotlight on Judy Ginsburgh - Coordinator for Central Louisiana Arts and Healthcare, LA
Judy Ginsburg founded, and now runs, an organization whose mission is to provide innovative arts programming in healthcare settings to promote healing for patients, respite for family members and stress relief for medical personnel. She was able to see the great benefits of a program such as the National Arts Program® immediately and five years ago joined our family of venues.
Although Judy herself is an accomplished musician she pours as much passion into this visual art exhibit as she does any based around her love of the performing arts. She is a visionary who is determined to use the arts to accomplish wonderful things. We salute her and as always are excited to see what another year of hosting an NAP Exhibit will bring in Central Louisiana. Below are Judy’s thoughts on the Central Louisiana Arts and Healthcare National Arts Program® Exhibits.
Q. What makes the National Arts Program® different than any other art exhibit put on by Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare?
A. This is the only exhibit we do where we feature such a variety of artistic genres and such a broad spectrum of talent from youth to adult, from Amateur to Professsional. It is exciting to see so much art in one place.
Q. Why do you feel that displaying employee artwork is important?
A. Our healthcare employees look forward to this exhibit every year. One of our goals as an organization is to find ways for healthcare professionals to relax and de-stress through the arts. Hosting this exhibit fits perfectly into our mission. Many employees have rediscovered art as a way of relaxing and getting away from the stresses in their jobs. They are grateful to have a place to exhibit and show off their talents.
Q. How have employees and their families responded to the opportunity to display their artwork in the hospitals?
A. Each year, the response is totally positive. The employees and family members look forward to participating and it is very special for them to have their art on display in the community for friends and colleagues to see.
Q. Why do you think displaying artwork in the hospitals is so important?
A. Our hospital galleries provide an escape for those who are in a hospital. It is unexpected to see an art exhibit in this setting, but it provides solace, relaxation, contemplation, and many times people are exposed to quality art viewing for the first time. The hospital galleries we curate change art 6-12 times per year. The ever-changing art provides a warm and welcoming environment in a typically sterile and cold place. We see daily the difference it makes.
Q. What is your favorite aspect of the National Arts Program®?
A. We have been so pleased with the support we get from the National Arts Program®. The staff is wonderful to work with and they provide beautiful materials (brochures, certificates, award ribbons, etc) to make our art exhibit first class. And without the financial help we receive from them to be able to award prizes and mount the show, it would not be as successful as it is.
Q. Do visitors to the hospitals respond to the employee exhibit?
A. Most definitely. Visitors have only positive responses to the show. They especially enjoy seeing the work of people they know personally. And we have sold some pieces.
Q. How has utilizing online registration made the process easier for you?
A. Our community is still getting used to the online registration process. We hope to be able to have more people use it this year. It does make it easier for the coordinator. Everything is right there when you need it.
Q. Can you tell us how art has had a positive impact on your personal life?
A. My life is art....music, movement and art. I live, breathe and share it. Life without art would not be life for me. Almost everything I do involves some aspect of the arts.
Q. How did you get started in the art field or have you always been involved in the arts? Are you an artist yourself?
A. I am a professional musician with a degree in Vocal Performance. I have sung all my life and I continue to perform throughout North America. As an extension of my artistic work, I founded and now run Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare, Inc. whose mission is to provide innovative arts experiences in healthcare settings. It is groundbreaking work and very rewarding. Our organization proves daily that the arts can (and do) heal.
Q. Is there anything else you want to add? Comments about the program, etc.
A. We are very grateful to the National Arts Program Foundation for helping us put on this art exhibit each year. It is a highlight in our community. Right after one exhibit is over, people are already talking about what they are going to create for next year's exhibit. You have helped us create a solid and unique event in our community that people look forward to each year.
Venue:
Central Louisiana Arts and Healthcare, Inc.