ART FOR HEALING INSTALL-From the left is Jim Haney, supervisor of Plant Facilities at Cookeville Regional; Amanda Smith, the Foundation Coordinator, and Sally Crain-Jager, chair of the ART for Healing Acquisition committee, getting ready to install artist Budd Bishop’s painting City Lake Livingston that he donated. It has been placed on the fourth floor of the North Tower at Cookeville Regional.

COOKEVILLE-The Foundation at Cookeville Regional’s ART for Healing program is well underway and beginning to make the walls of Cookeville Regional Medical Center come to life. Jim Haney, supervisor of Plant Facilities at Cookeville Regional; Sally Crain-Jager, chair of the ART for Healing Acquisition committee; and Amanda Smith, the Foundation Coordinator, met with Universal Art’s & Frame to install six more pieces, and their respective plaques, on the walls of the medical center.

The ART for Healing program will have installed 16 pieces of artwork since the start of the program in October 2012.

“I am excited that in only one year we have not only a growing collection of artwork, but a growing awareness of the program in the community,” said Crain-Jager.

What remains to be placed in the medical center are two metal sculptures and one ceramic vessel, which are waiting on pedestals and vitrine so they can be installed.

“Funding is still needed for our three-dimensional pieces and other artwork to continue the success of this program,” added Crain-Jager. “One person, or a group, can come together and support ART for Healing by making monetary donations or by sponsoring specific works of art at our public events that we will be having throughout the year.”

The ART for Healing program is designed to promote healing, well-being and inspiration for the patients and visitors of the medical center.

“Research studies have proven that quality artwork can be a benefit to the healing process for patients and families, and it can even improve employee’s perception of the workplace place environment,” said Amanda Smith.  “This program helps bring to life to the walls of Cookeville Regional in hopes that our patients, visitors and employees feel more welcomed and comforted while they are here.”

One of the things the ART for Healing program takes pride in is they are keeping the pieces of art local.

“There are extremely talented artists who live right here in the Upper Cumberland,” said Jager. “With this program we will continue building a collection of artwork representing the artists from this region.”

For more information or to donate contact the Foundation at Cookeville Regional at 931-783-2003 or visit www.thecrmcfoundation.org.