Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services, in partnership with the Art for Healing Foundation and the Central Northeast Health Foundation, unveiled a new art installation today (Wednesday, May 14) at the Fogo Island Health Centre.

The installation consists of five works of art specifically selected to reflect the spirit, resilience and natural beauty of Fogo Island and its people. Through its rich and vibrant culture that is strongly connected to the province’s artistic community, Fogo Island is a natural choice for this installation.

“This beautiful island has been home to generations of artists, clothing makers, rug makers, quilters and other various forms of artistic expression. Many of these talents were born out of necessity and this installation is an opportunity to honour those that have come before us,” said Natasha Decker, manager of site operations for the Fogo Island Health Centre. “Through initiatives such as this, we aim to continue to partner with artists throughout the community and afar, making our health centre a focal point for art and healing.”

Engaging with the arts — whether through reading, watching a performance or viewing works of art — has profound benefits for our mental well-being. The creative arts can uplift our mood, reduce stress and clear our thoughts, making them a vital tool for self-care.

“The ongoing transformation of our health system incorporates both health-care service delivery care and individuals’ overall well-being. The pieces provided by the Art for Healing Foundation, supported by the Central Northeast Health Foundation and NL Health Services, contribute to this transformation by improving well-being while residents receive health care,” said the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister Responsible for Mental Health and Addictions, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

Formed in 2002, the Art for Healing Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to bring the healing power of art to hospitals and wellness facilities, transforming public and patient areas into inspiring environments that encourage a sense of serenity and hope for patients, their families, and health-care providers. Since its inception, the Art for Healing Foundation has installed over 15,000 works of art in 105 health-care institutions across Canada, France and England.

“Visual art has the profound ability to soothe, inspire, and restore — offering comfort and connection to those navigating physical or mental health challenges,” said Gary Blair, co-founder of the Art for Healing Foundation. “This project has been a testament to that power, made possible through a deeply collaborative effort between artists, health-care professionals, and the broader community. Together, we’ve created not just an art installation, but a space for healing and hope for the residents of Fogo Island.”

This marks the second collaboration between the Art for Healing Foundation and health-care sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. The first was in 2009, with an installation at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. John’s.

“This art installation is a meaningful example of how creativity can promote healing in ways that go beyond traditional care. We are grateful to the Art for Healing Foundation, the artists, and all who were involved in bringing this vision to life on Fogo Island,” said Courtney Stoyles, executive director of the Central Northeast Health Foundation. “At the Central Northeast Health Foundation, we are proud to support initiatives that enhance the overall well-being of patients and staff in our region.”

NL Health Services continues to focus on its vision of health and well-being for every person and every community and is honoured to have this installation, and its therapeutic benefits, serve as a powerful reminder that healing reaches beyond medicine.

-30- 

Pictured L-R: Earl Pinchuk and Gary Blair, founders of the Art for Healing Foundation, Natasha Decker, manager of site operations for Fogo Island Health Centre, and Traci Foss, senior director of Primary Health Care and Community Services for NL Health Services – Central Zone.