For Richard, who’s been a key part of the Healing Arts Initiative since joining the foundation’s Board of Trustees almost five years ago, that meant shaking trees, beating bushes and burning up her mobile phone, tapping into the relationships she’s nurtured over the years throughout the Northshore art community.
Finding the art was just the first step. There was also getting it approved by all the stakeholders in the cancer center, negotiating for price and then installing 17 original pieces by 14 local artists all in one day.
“It was a whirlwind,” she said.
And they’re not done. Five more commissioned pieces are still on the way. Plaques have yet to be installed identifying each work. They’ve also got a couple of surprises in the works – like what’s destined to adorn that large, empty wall.
Still, Richard is pleased with what she and her team have been able to put together.
“On ribbon-cutting day, we were just so proud,” she said. “The goal was to make St. Tammany proud, make the arts community in St. Tammany proud. They gave us an opportunity to shine.”
Does she think they were successful?
To answer, Richard tells the story of a couple she saw in the cancer center recently. He was an older man, and he was pushing the wheelchair of a woman, presumably his wife. Passing a piece of recently installed art, she asked him to stop. They examined it together and talked for a short time before moving on.
“When they got closer,” Richard said, “I heard her say, ‘Let’s go over here. I want to see the art over here.”
She teared up a little thinking about it, then added:
“That’s what it’s all about.”