The Healing Gallery at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital is a rotating gallery that exhibits works of art from local artists. Starting January 9, the Healing Gallery is displaying the works of the artists of the Sun City Pencil and Palette Club for two months.
“I found out about the opportunity when I was taking an art class in St. Charles where one of the students, Lillian Pagni turned out to be the Gallery’s curator,” said Mary Siebert, member of the Pencil and Palette Club.
And the rest was history.
“We have 14 paintings on exhibit,” Siebert said.
Betty Napora and Mary Siebert (Pencil and Palette Club Presidnet and Member, respectively) are exhibiting their work, along with others, at the Healing Gallery at Presence St. Josephs Hospital in Elgin. (Photo by Christine Such/Sun Day)
Betty Napora, president of the Pencil and Palette Club added, “Eight artists are featured. The exhibit is a mixture of watercolor, oil pastel, acrylic, and oils. This is not the first exhibit that we have had, we have an annual exhibit at the Garden of Woodstock.”
“Artists who were interested in displaying their work at the Healing Gallery submitted a JPEG image of their artwork,” Siebert explained.
The qualifications for submitted art were specific.
“They also had to be gallery ready. Lillian made the final selection,” Napora added.
“The Healing Gallery displays our work in a beautiful white hallway. The other side of the hallway is all windows that frame a gift from nature, the Tranquility Garden,” said Napora.
Pencil and Palette Club members’ art on display at the Healing Gallery in Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin. (Photos provided)
Both Napora and Siebert have paintings hanging at the Healing Gallery.
Siebert’s artistic experience comes from her background.
“I went to the American Art Academy in Chicago. I did have various art jobs, but I most enjoyed doing the pen and ink drawings of homes for a realtor,” Siebert said.
Napora was a schoolteacher, and she “always liked art and had the opportunity to take classes for free as a teacher.” She favors watercolor painting.
The art in the Healing Gallery may be purchased, and a portion of the profits benefit the Hospital. The Healing Gallery is open to the public and is located on the first floor of Presence Saint Joseph Hospital’s new Bed Tower.
Seibert stressed, “Anybody can join the Sun City Pencil & Palette Club and take advantage of the classes we offer.”
Napora added, “The information is in Lifestyles. The member artist is actively engaged in learning and teaching through classes and network sharing. Several prominent artists conduct workshops on a regular basis in all media.”
1 Comment
My mother is Betty Napora. I’ve always appreciated the quality of her art and her dedication. It was great to read this article. The art on display at the Healing Gallery in Presence St. Joseph Hospital is inspirational. Congratulations to the Sun City Pencil & Palette Club! Bob Napora, Eugene, Oregon