University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center joins the NAP Family

University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center was added to our family of venues thanks to the work of coordinator, Victoria Chahanovich. Victoria knew that an employee and family art show would be a great fit and continued her efforts until she was able to make the show happen! Their first annual show opened in October and included 136 pieces of art from 109 artists.

Victoria shared that she was receiving wonderful feedback and that both staff and patients were loving the art filled hallways and were stopping to enjoy the show. Comments included “This is such a great way to bring our staff and community together. We should have more events like this”, “What a great way to see al the talent that St. Joes has!”. The teen artist who won the Art Education Award had even considered spending less time on art and getting into other activities, but after winning this award said this reminded him why he started painting, and now he is going to continue creating.

There was an awards ceremony and reception on October 24th with 100 guests in attendance and included refreshments and even live music by Townson University students. Victoria told us, “the joy from the reception was palpable and unlike anything we have hosted here at St. Joes. Seeing people light up that their artwork was on display, the joy of those that won, and the engagement from patients and families was such a gift”.

We are thankful for those, like Victoria, that see the many benefits of our program and are committed to offering this special opportunity to their employee community.