When returning to Watauga county more than 20 years later, Patrick seized the opportunity to give back to the healthcare system that helped him when he was young. Patrick is an employee of Appalachian State, a professional artist, and a member of the Watauga County Arts Council. The council contacted him this year, knowing his experience, and asked if he would show his paintings in the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center. Patrick quickly agreed claiming that, “Your health is totally related to your atmosphere and usually most hospital settings aren’t very conducive to this reality”. He hoped that his paintings would be a welcome sight to those who walked through the halls.
The arts council went through a process of hand selecting paintings that would specifically evoke a positive feeling for the patients who would see them. Patrick’s exhibition contains a variety of works that he hopes will help the cancer center to be a warm, healing place. Art has changed his life in the most positive way, and he knows that the connection between art and health is closely interrelated. Patrick hopes the paintings will bring joy to those who see them.
Patrick was also pleasantly surprised to learn that Paul Young now works as the Nurse Navigator at the cancer center. In this role, Paul continues to encourage patients after they are diagnosed with cancer. The pair recently enjoyed being able to reconnect as they hung Patrick’s art work around the facility. The Watauga Arts Council and the cancer center look forward to continuing these exhibitions as the years go on.
The art pieces featured here are just a few of the beautiful works displayed for cancer center patients.
Photo Credits: Patrick J. Richardson
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