The artistic talents of the Mercy Hospital staff members are on display through Nov. 17 at the Durango Arts Center as part of The Mercy Health Care Worker Art Show.
The works feature paintings, photographs and sculptures.
Laura Sherman, a registered nurse at Mercy, came up with the idea for an art exhibit displaying the creativity of medical personnel during a staff meeting with fellow co-workers.
“I started painting during the pandemic just to relieve stress,” Sherman said. “I took a class at the art center, and I found it incredibly healing.”
Sherman realized her other co-workers had similar interests in art and talked about the pieces they had done while sitting in the meeting.
“I realized we should celebrate our art,” she said. “Celebrate healing through our art from all the trauma we have witnessed, especially over the last couple of years.”
Eighteen of Mercy’s medical staff members contributed to the paintings, sculptures and photographs now on display at the art center. Orthopedist Kim Furry submitted her professional black and white landscape photographs, and ICU RN Annie Vines displayed her watercolor paintings and antler piece. On another wall, RN Annie Taylor revealed her talent for surrealist painting, and RN Kammie Schuhman submitted her intricate quilt work.
Sherman also submitted two hypnotizing portraits of women, one of a dark-haired woman gazing forward wistfully, and the other of an auburn-haired beauty daring her viewers to keep staring.
“Art opened up a Third World for me,” writes Sherman in an artist statement below her works. “It reminded me of childhood, when outcomes felt lighter. Painting has allowed me healing and connection.”
Opening night of the art exhibit also saw five of Mercy’s medical personnel showing off their musical skills while playing for the crowd. The performances featured Adri Gething, a 911 dispatcher; Bess Chacon, an RN; Denae Stucka-Benally, a CNA; Dr. Matt Smolin, a cardiologist; and the Gas Station Eyeliner band, featuring members of the Mercy nursing staff and lab.
“They all did really well,” Sherman said. “It was great.”
Excited by the success of the exhibit, Sherman is looking at the possibility of potential future shows at the Durango Arts Center.
“I would love to make it an annual event,” she said. “A lot of people seemed to enjoy it. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
molsen@durangoherald.com
