We Believe…

… the arts elevate our lives.
… visual art is a legitimate therapeutic tool.
… attractive environments, at the very least, boost morale and create more     positive attitudes.
… in PCMH's motto: "People Care More Here." Displaying art and sponsoring     musical concerts are very important ways to let people know that we
    care -- about our patients, their families, our staff and our environment.

Our Goals

The purpose of our art program is to provide a pleasing and interesting atmosphere that will lift the spirits of our visitors, patients and staff.
Two years ago Volunteer Services began investigating ways to humanize our very sterile hospital. We imagined our long hallways, waiting areas, and patient rooms as art galleries.
Now, we are also able to offer local artists a high traffic area to display, sell and perform their work, while subsidizing the Auxiliary's host of services for needy patients.

Current Areas of Focus

Visual Arts
Performing Arts

The Visual Arts:

Thanks for understanding- I know it is a little confusing. Actually the art shows and the art for sale are hung in the same area and serve much the same purpose. Individual artists get the money from sales for their work. The auxiliary gets the a piece of art from the Artist shows. The auxilairy gets all of the money from the sale of framed prints that they have specifically purchased for retail sale.
The permanent collection (the art given by individual artists in lieu of commission) is what is hung in the public waiting areas.

The art exhibited here softens the clinical atmosphere and acts as a diversion for those passing through.

Regular shows exhibit 50-75 pieces in the main corridor of the Pitt County Memorial Hospital, providing recognition and potential income for artists. When an artist shows work through us they elect to sell or not. If they wish to sell, then we handle the sales and publicity. The artist receives all of the money from sales, and in lieu of commission, we ask the artist to donate a picture. That donated picture then becomes the property of the Volunteer Auxiliary's private collection, which has been developed without cost to the hospital or anyone else.

The Auxiliary also purchases framed prints (originals and some limited and signed editions) specifically for resale. These are displayed throughout the Medical Center enhancing waiting rooms, corridors, and other public areas. The small profit made from the sale of these prints goes into our needy patient fund and is managed by the PCMH Volunteer Auxiliary.

Performing Arts:

Orchestras, small combos, duet and solo performers perform throughout the hospital all year round, providing wonderful opportunities for paid staff, patients and visitors to relax. Small groups often play in the many lobby areas, in the inpatient Rehabilitation Center and in the cafeteria. Most concerts occur during lunch or dinner and on Sunday afternoons.

Our Life Span

Our Auxiliary Art Program began in 1984.

We Receive Funding From

Our program basically is self-funded, through the sale of art work, however the Volunteer Auxiliary finances any general expenses.
We rely on both paid staff and volunteers, but mostly paid staff.

Monies were not available to simply create the galleries we imagined in the beginning. We studied available resources and made contacts until a plan emerged that benefits hundreds of artists and the Hospital as well. Artists now have a highly visible place to show and market their work while spreading warmth and joy to waiting areas, offices and patient rooms.

We would love to hear from you

Volunteer Services Dept.
PO Box 6028
Greenville, NC 27835-6028
EMASON@pcmh.com
(252) 816-4491

Acknowledgements:

This project received support from the North Carolina Arts Council,
an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the
National Endowment for the Arts.

We are also grateful for the support of the
Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and the Durham Arts Council.

Last Updated November 25, 2005

Copyright 2001 - 2006, All rights reserved. NC Arts for Health