CHESTERTOWN — University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, in partnership with Kent Cultural Alliance and Kent County public and private schools, recently hosted its third student art reception in the hospital’s Aging & Wellness Center to showcase the remarkable artwork of local students.
“This student art show is more than just an exhibition; it’s a powerful expression of hope, resilience and creativity,” Zack Royston, vice president, Rural Health Care Transformation, and executive director at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, said in a news release.
“Through the eyes of these young artists, viewers are invited to experience a world where art catalyzes healing and transformation,” he added.
In 2023, UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s Rural Health Transformation Team began working with John Schratwieser, director of Kent Cultural Alliance, and area schools to transform the walls of the Aging & Wellness Center into a source of enjoyment for patients and pride for local families and their students.
Schratwieser and the UM Shore Regional Health team worked with area schools to collect artwork from Kent County Public Schools, Radcliffe Creek School and Kent School.
The artwork is rotated on an intermittent basis.
“At the Kent Cultural Alliance, we welcome every opportunity we can get to celebrate the students and teachers in our local schools,” Schratwieser said in the news release.
He thanked UM Shore Regional Health for providing the space and for making the time to highlight the talented young people from across the county.
According to the news release, a guiding theme driving the project was the belief that art contributes not only to the well-being of individuals, but also to communities, and that in a health care setting, art can help the healing process. It empowers the lives of our community creators and brings happiness to those who are fortunate enough to enjoy it.
Aimee Boumiea, an art teacher at H.H. Garnet Elementary School in Chestertown, said the exhibition is a celebration of creativity and community.
“For art teachers, it’s an opportunity to showcase student artwork beyond the classroom, inspiring confidence, validating creativity and building pride. Students are able to engage with the public and see firsthand how their art can make a real impact in a different setting,” Boumiea said in the news release. “For families and hospital visitors, it offers a moment of inspiration and connection with these young artists.”
“Art has the power to bring light and beauty to any space,” Boumiea added, “and we are honored to be part of that experience.”
Artwork may be viewed by the public during normal business hours in the Aging & Wellness Center, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, located at 100 Brown St., is a University of Maryland Shore Regional Health hospital. UM Shore Regional Health is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System.
For more information about the art show, call Lara Wilson at 667-343-3145 or Schratwieser at 410-778-3700.
