Research has shown that art can have a powerful impact on the mind and body at times of recovery or pain. Evergreen Hospital has taken notice of this fact and has taken it to another level.

The hospital has art from everyone from Dale Chihuly to Paul Horiuchi. But two of the galleries were donated by some nearby artists with a lot of perspective on living life.

Fifty artists from the Madison House Retirement Community donated close to 90 works that are on display in the two Community Galleries of Rotating Art at the hospital.

“We don’t have a big art budget,” said Kathy Feek, who is the head of the art program at the hospital. “So we have to grow it in fun ways.”

Patients and the medical staff have all gained something from the show.

“We steer clear of edgy or dark art,” said Feek. “It is very therapeutic to have colorful and up-lifting art. We have hung about 20 shows and the staff couldn’t wait for this one. They were going through them as we were trying to decide how to hang them up.”

For most of the artists the show is a first.

“Art is great for someone who is sick or well,” said Madison House artist Erna Abell, 77, who did her paintings that hang on the upper floor of the main entrance to the hospital prior to her stay at Madison House. “I am arty farty and I have always done something. I have a big ego so it makes me feel good that they want my work.”

Artist Nancy Buchanan, 87, created her painting in the retirement community’s painting class. The class runs twice a month at Madison House but Nancy will open the room for artists to work on their paintings during other days of the month.

“I usually give my paintings away,” said Buchanan, who specifically created her painting for the show. “I have a big family and someone usually wants it.”

Buchanan’s contribution is an oil painting titled “My dream: Rocky Mountain,” which is a copy of a famous painting, while Abell submitted “Winter in Montana,” which is an original oil painting as well.

“I messed up cause your not supposed to put a line in the middle but I guess it works,” said Buchanan.

The Madison House gallery was to stay in Madison House but the hospital picked up the display.

“We decided as long as we have this beautiful rotating gallery we should use it in a bigger space,” said Feek, noting the gallery will be featured through September.

The two community shows that feature the Madison House artists is presented in landscapes and florals, which is in the Silver Building’s upper floor entry way and the portraits and figure studies gallery is located at the entrance to the Emergency Department, in the hallway across from the auditorium. All of the pieces in both galleries are available for purchase.

The community shows are the only ones the hospital puts up with multiple artists.

The show also gave four prizes in July, including best in show, based on a public voting process.

Feek said that the show will be opened up to seniors from around the community next year.

“Every picture has a story,” said Feek. “And art takes you away from where you are and sometimes that is needed too.”