Turning Grief Into an Art Gallery

Connie Crosby came to Pathways of Hope at Hospice of Dayton eight years ago following the loss of her husband.  Sometimes her support group would convene in the café down the hall in Hospice of Dayton.  A former gallery owner, Connie enjoyed the art displayed on the café walls.  When she learned that the art display might end when the staff member coordinating the project left, she volunteered for the job.

Through Connie’s efforts, local artists display artworks at Carole’s Café dining room on a two-month rotation.   It gives local artists exposure to a new audience.  It offers comfort to patients, families and hospice staff while enabling them to enjoy an art experience at no cost.  If they fall in love with one of the pieces, the artwork is for sale, with each artist pledging 25% of the proceeds as a donation to Hospice of Dayton.   Every artist displayed is local and, according to Connie, many of them are seniors.  A number of items have sold, including one painting that was purchased and taken home by a Chinese physician who was visiting a family member at Hospice.

The art display is available to visitors 24/7 in the Café dining room.  Inquiries about art purchases can be directed to Vicky Forrest at 937-256-4490 ext. 4409.