Wednesday, August 12, 1992 - The Michigan Daily Summer Weekly - 3
'U' hospital lightens hearts through art
by Nicole Converse From May to July, live perfor-
Daily Staff Re porter mances are held in the outdoor court-
A hospital is not the sterile place it yard. The performances draw a crowd
used to be, thanks to the Gifts of Art that includes the lunch time staff, pa-
program which provides patients, visi- tients and visitors who enjoy both the
torsandthestaffofUniversityofMichi- music and the fresh air. "Itisan oppor-
/an Hospitals with an aesthetic respite. tunity for patients to enjoy a 'normal'
The program has eight galleries activity with their family," he said.
throughout the hospital. Each gallery Additionally, the Gifts of pro-
hosts nine different exhibits a year, gramprovidesamobileArtCartwhich
displaying paintings, sculpture, photo- enables patients to change the art in
graphs, textile works and other visual their room to "something they like
arts. more, or something they at least hate
"The displays areinteresting tolook less," Smith said.
at because they change," said Heather Melva Sexton, parent of a chroni-
Hossack Wunster, a registered nurse. cally ill 12-year-old, said. "The pro-
"It does something for the artists as well gran helps her stay in the hospital.
as for the patients and their families." The Art Cart gives her something to
The art is provided by prominent look forward to."
artists throughout the state. It is pro- Sexton added, "As a prent, I en-
cured mainly by word of mouth and call joy the outdoor concerts. It's relaxing
for entries in art journals. The early to think about something except the
summer exhibits often preview works hospital for just a couple minutes."
seen at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Theperformances are video-taped
"The exhibits add a nice touch," andreplayedinpatientloungesatvari-
said registered nurse Janet Richard. "It ous intervals.
enhances the environment and gives The program is maintained by
some employees an opportunity to dis- Smith, two half-time employees, and
play their artwork. It demonstrates the a group of community volunteers
diversityof thisenvironment,"she said. Smith said, "In the summer we are a
Though the hospital has a growing little slower because many of our vol-
permanent collection on display in the unteers go on vacation or are out of
public lounges, the gallery offers all of town for the summer."
the works for sale. FRIENDS of the University of
The program also sponsors weekly Michigan Hospitals provide about 50
live performances from September percent of the budget. The remaining
MOLLYTC5CNO/Oos through July. amontTisEraisedthrouhcomissions
Director Gary Smith indicated the on art sales and fund raisers. The
performances are varied but in the past FRIENDS have recently renewed the
As University hospital visitors wait in the lobby area of the Pediatrics Care Center, they are surrounded haveincludedconcertsdancing,drama, grant which will carry half of the
by paintings and basket displays. The works are part of the Gifts of Art program. and storytelling. program's budget until 1998.
'U' group plans retirement dorms for people 50 and over
by Laura Potts sense of security against crime while dens. located at 343 S. Fifth Avenue. A question has been raised as to
Daily Staff Reporter traveling, said George DeMuth, who "It looks like the atmosphere we Over the course of planning, other whether the proposed housing is exclu-
) Mtst petpte envision boredom and wasaprofessor ofPediatrics and Com- want," DeMuth said, areas, including North Campus, were sionary. However, association mem-
loneliness when they hear the word municable Diseases at the University The area planned for development discussed as possible locations. The bers said there is nothine illegal about
"retirement." Medical School. will not only include condominiums association asked the University if it the development.
HoweveragroupofUniversity fac- DeMuth said a disadvantage to the owned by University-affiliated persons, could buy land and was willing to pay Construction is scheduled to begin
ulty and staffhas a quite different view proposed situation would be giving up but also single-family housing. taxes, evenithough the University does in late Spring 1992, pending zoning
in mind. privacy. Association members stress that the not normally have to pay. plans and the down payment of enough
The University Senior Faculty and However, housing association condominiums will not be a comma- The University decided to use the future condominium owners.
Staff Housing Association, a group of memberssay they wouldenjoy astimu- nity entirely for retirees and "old land on North Campus for other en- Currently, the group of about 70
former and current faculty and staff, lating environment with many shared people." deavors, although DeMuth's wife said, members has 24 condominiums with
plans to build a 50 years and older areas, such as a dining hall, a lecture/ "We definitely do not want another "They have helped us in other ways." money committed.
condominiumdevelopment foritsmem- concert hall, and a garden. Sun City, Ariz.," Sussman said. Sun
rs. Alfred Sussman, president of the City is a community composed strictly
Members of the association say association, said the proposed land - of older retirees.
many benefits accompany the move to at the corner of Dixboro and Plymouth The idea for the condominium de- Fall 1992
this type of living arrangement. roads - is a good location. The site is velopment, which was initiated by Uni- a Programming
Three main advantages include re- in close proximity to University cul- versityProf.JamesMorganabout seven ATTENTION:
lief of upkeep on a larger home, living tural events, as well as scenic areas years ago, was planned for.the parking
with people whom one likes, and a such as the Matthaei Botanical Gar- lot of the Ann Arbor Public Librar, A LL ST UDE NT G R )UPS
AL SUDNTGRUP
This is the last issue of The Michigan Daily's summer weekly
for 1992. Today the proverbial clock strikes midnight for the
summer editors; alas tomorrow we will again be pumpkins er,
reporters.
We have done our best this summer to put out a newspaper
that is informative, enjoyable to read, and pleasing to the eye.
We've tried some new things, changed some old things, and we
have all, if nothing else, learned a great deal.
I want to personally thank all of the editors and staffers who
worked incredibly hard this summer to ensure that when the
University got up on Wednesday mornings, the Daily was there
for everybody to read. In case I didn't tell you, you were great.
On September 10, the daily Daily returns with Matt Rennie
back at the helm. See you then.
- Andrew M. Levy
Editor in Chief
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