Internationally known physician, author, and renowned expert on aging Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at George Washington University, will be the featured speaker at Memorial’s eighth annual Art for Healing Gala, Art Auction and Cam Busch Endowed Arts for Health Lecture Series on Feb. 23, at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
Another sold out event is anticipated with participants enjoying an evening of cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeurvres and bidding on outstanding works of art.
The annual event is held to create awareness of the importance of the arts in healthcare and assist in building a permanent art collection at Memorial Health Care System.
Dr. Cohen’s presentation will begin at 6:30pm. The gala reception will follow including a silent art auction featuring works of art by local, regional and national artists. Gala guests will be entertained by jazz musician Richard. Auctioneer duties will be performed by Joe Helseth, Chattanooga State Technical Community College Visual Art Coordinator.
“Dr. Cohen is a brilliant researcher and a fascinating person,” said Cam Busch, a practicing art therapist from Chattanooga and a national arts in healthcare consultant. “He is a favorite keynote speaker for the Society for the Arts in Healthcare and the American Art Therapy Association, and the research he is doing is key to validating the importance of utilizing the arts in healthcare.”
Guests at the Art for Healing Gala will have the opportunity to bid on artwork selected by co-curators Susan Doubleday and Sandra Washburn. Ms. Doubleday and Ms. Washburn are well-known throughout the art world having received multiple awards and honors as professional artists and teachers.
A wide variety of art mediums including paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, wood carving and pottery will be available for purchase at the event.
“Many people appreciate the opportunity to purchase artwork for their homes, and the Art Gala also offers a beautiful opportunity to donate a special painting or sculpture to the hospital in honor of a loved one,” said Jean Payne, Memorial Health Care System Foundation director.
To purchase tickets for the Art for Healing Gala, call 423 495-4151.