Art show will benefit Hospice of Central Ohio
- An art show, Hands for Hospice, will be held June 26 and 27.
- At least 30 percent of the proceeds from all art sold will benefit the Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio
ALEXANDRIA – Jane Heller and Jeny Reynolds are firm believers in the healing power of art.
Both longtime painters, they also know that an art show can be a great way to raise money for a good cause.
The two friends are joining forces for the second time to host Hands for Hospice, an art show taking place June 26 and 27 to raise money for the Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio.
Planned near their Alexandria studio at 58661/2 Morse Road, it’s going to be a fun event, but it also supports an important mission, Heller said.
At least 30 percent of the proceeds for every piece of art sold will be used to help fund the hospice’s bereavement programs. It also will be used to grant patients’ end-of-life wishes or provide care to enhance their quality of life.
“It’s not just for the patients, it’s also for the family,” Heller said. “I can’t imagine not having (this program here).”
Heller has been active in Hospice of Central Ohio since the early 1980s when her husband, Jack Heller, became president of its board.
She’s continued to advocate for the organization and has seen it help several people, including a close friend.
“It’s just remarkable. It’s very peaceful, and it really helps the family,” Heller said.
Reynolds, whose daughter-in-law Sally Reynolds is chairwoman of the board for the foundation, also is passionate about the work the organization does.
Hospice serves nine counties, providing end-of-life care and services to loved ones left behind. On any given day, the organization helps 1,500 people through its programs, said Stacy Thompson, vice president of philanthropic development for the foundation.
Reynolds and Heller have known each other for decades and share a studio in Alexandria. Both painters, they have done several shows and painting groups together.
In 2014, they worked with Thompson and Sally Reynolds to organize the first Hands for Hospice art show.
“You only have to experience what it does for you one time to be committed forever,” Sally Reynolds said.
The event was so successful, they decided to continue this year, adding more artists and a preview party June 26.
Close to 30 artists from across Ohio will participate in the show, selling paintings, jewelry and ceramics, said Celeste Friedman, a volunteer assisting with the event.
“Those who follow art will recognize the artists,” she said. “For people who don’t, it will be a new experience, and they’ll get to see something they never have before.”
The art show also will give those who have been helped by hospice the chance to come together in a relaxing atmosphere and enjoy art while honoring their loved ones, Thompson said.
“There are always people who appreciate the opportunity to share their hospice experience,” she said. “They can share their grief journey and help each other along the way.”
ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com
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If you go
• What: Private Hands for Hospice preview party
• When: 6 to 9 p.m. June 26
• Where: The Barn at Moots Run, 58661/2 Morse Road, Alexandria
• FYI: The party will include food and drinks. Cost is $50 per person. To make reservations, contact Peggy at 740-788-1503 or pstreby@hospiceofcentralohio.org.
• What: Hands for Hospice Art Show
• When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27
• Where: The Barn at Moots Run, 58661/2 Morse Road, Alexandria
• FYI: Free and open to the public. For more information, call 740-788-1400 or visit hospiceofcentralohio.org.