Tyler Redway
NINE new artworks have been provided to the Mount Gambier and District Hospital to give more colour and personality to the walls of the North South Ward.
Former patient Kelvin Smibert donated nine pieces which iclude include landscapes by Arthur Streeton as well as two of his own original pieces.
Four years ago, Mr Smibert had a stay in the Mount Gambier Hospital’s rehabilitation ward and said he benefitted from colourful artwork.
Mr Smibert said he was determined to donate a suitable picture for patient rooms, particularly those used for rehabilitation.
“I hope that patients with any medical condition will find at least some cheer from them,” he said.
Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) chief executive Ngaire Buchanan said the paintings and prints would help people recover sooner due to them having a sense of “feeling more at home”.
“It also shows from a community point of view that we have a community-based person who has actually done those paintings and has been here previously, which shows our commitment to the community,” Ms Buchanan said.
In Home Hospice Care chairperson Maureen Klintberg said the artworks certainly contributed to patients’ goals of going home and feeling better about themselves.
“The feeling of well-being and taking the patient to another place if there is an artwork, particularly of a scene, is how he chose the paintings,” Ms Klintberg said.
“He could imagine himself in those places so these Australian scenes were chosen in particular but it was an environment where you could find peace.”
Ms Klintberg said Mr Smibert’s original donation was only meant to be two artworks, which was bolstered by his own enthusiasm to achieve his goal.
She added Mr Smibert was currently working on a large Indigenous art piece which will be featured in the entry foyer of the Mount Gambier Hospital when completed.
“He is working on it mindful of all the aspects associated with indigenous art and its people, but he would love to have that piece of artwork there,” she said.
“It is very rewarding when one meets a community member who not only recognises what is lacking but really sets about making a difference.
“Those paintings are going to make a big difference for many years to many community members.”
