A! Magazine for the Arts

Student art is on view at Lee Regional Medical Center in Pennington Gap, Va.

Student art is on view at Lee Regional Medical Center in Pennington Gap, Va.

Student Art On Exhibit at Lee Regional Medical Center

January 1, 2009

PENNINGTON GAP, Va. - Visitors will find the main hallway of Lee Regional Medical Center brighter and more striking than ever.

The talented artists at Lee High School are the reason. The student artists and art teacher Lila Porterfield gathered recently at the hospital to dedicate a new exhibit, "Reflections," which includes approximately 20 original works of art that hang in the main hallway on the first floor of the hospital. The Lee High contingent joined leaders from the hospital and Wellmont Health System during a recent reception to officially christen "Reflections."

Porterfield said the works created by her artists for "Reflections" are so striking that community members have approached her and asked about purchasing some pieces.

"The work that has been displayed was created specifically for the hospital," Porterfield said. "Students chose subjects that were inspirational, colorful and themes that people could relate to. It was a long processbut enjoyable.

"The students are proud to display their work for the community to enjoy it."

David Brash, regional vice president for Wellmont hospitals in Southwest Virginia and Southeast Kentucky, spoke at the reception and expressed his gratitude to the students on behalf of Lee Regional. The talent and generosity of the Lee High artists, he said, make for an eye-catching experience for all who work at and visit Lee Regional.

"To tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind taking an armful of these works with me to hang at home ? but that would be robbing the community of the chance to see something special, to see the kind of talent we have right here in our community," Brash said. "I want to thank Ms. Porterfield for working with our hospital to make this happen, but most of all I want to thank the artists for loaning us their creations.

"The people at Lee Regional are always excited to become involved with the good things happening in our community, and it's easy to see ? with only a glimpse ? that this exhibit is a shining example."

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