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October
Artist with a Healing TouchJohn Opie’s work—and that of other local artists—will be featured in the Kasych Family Pavilion
John Opie of Pleasant Valley is one of many artists whose work will be featured in the new Kasych Family Pavilion at LVH–Cedar Crest. Other artists include:
More artists will be featured in the future. Kasych also will showcase graphic walls by Nathan Billman, designer of marketing and public affairs, that highlight the relationship between education, research and patient care. Snowflakes fall from the sky as the sun sets on a winter’s day. It’s an image John Opie sees inside his mind. When he applies brush to canvas, he unlocks the vision, creating artwork that’s admired by many. “The joy of painting is being able to make up what you want to see,” Opie says. “I can create a unique color of sky or add a favorite jazz musician to a scene based on Musikfest, whether she was there or not.” Opie, who has been painting for 50 years, is one of several local artists from Easton to Kutztown whose work will grace the Kasych Family Pavilion. Original artwork—purchased for the hospital’s permanent collection—will be featured inside and outside. For example, the walls of the lobby will feature inspirational quotations and renderings of key concepts such as patient care, research and education. Artwork also will be displayed on each patient floor. “Art promotes comfort and healing by leading us into a world of imagery and emotion,” says LVHHN arts coordinator Christine Oaklander, Ph.D., who is cataloging, preserving, interpreting and building our collection. “Art is proven to lower stress and increase relaxation, creativity and imagination.” Opie’s world of imagery draws its inspiration from his Pleasant Valley home, where he lives with his wife, Susan, a sculptor. He describes his work as “painterly realism,” depicting the juicy brush strokes of his oil paintings. His work has been widely exhibited in the region, as well as in New York, California and many places in between. He also has taught at colleges and universities—including Louisiana State—and has earned numerous accolades and awards. But his greatest satisfaction comes from completing a good painting. “It can be laborious,” he says, “but when it’s right, it’s exciting and energizing. “Matisse spoke of his art as being like a good armchair—comforting, a respite for the weary. As an artist, I hope to make a connection to an audience and provide comfort to people who may be going through unhappy times.” Tour our "gallery." Attend the Kasych Family Pavilion opening events from Jan. 3-5. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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