The Bay Girls Bring Life to Art of Healing Exhibit

A spring refresh of the Art of Healing exhibit brings the work of local artists known as “The Bay Girls” to The Samaritan Center at Voorhees. The art exhibit, curated by Perkins Center for the Arts, brings a warmth to the inpatient facility where Samaritan cares for patients in need of 24/7 symptom management. The Bay Girls pieces now line the walls, bringing with them a rich history of art and community.

An Art Collective with a Rich History

In 1994, Liz Sherman asked a group of 6 friends down to her summer home to paint. That group became The Bay Girls. Over the last 30 years the group has evolved and expanded with three of the original members making up the current 13. Presently, the group meets weekly at the West Cumberland Senior Center. Everyone is given freedom of expression to create what they choose in any art form, but the directive is to create art.

The Bay Girls are not new to sharing their art. They display often at local shows and also serve on the board for Bridgerton Gallery 50 Inc. “We are honored to display at The Samaritan Center,” Maxine, Bay Girl member, expressed.

A Moment of Peace and Reflection Through Art

Exhibit Curator Sharon Kiefer says, “For this curation at Samaritan, I asked the artists to think about positive memories and finding peace. The results reflect outdoor scenes, garden flowers, butterflies, and more scenes that bring joy and peace to the lives of the artists.” She continued sharing her hopes for the viewer, “I hope that these paintings can bring peace and reflection for families of patients and the staff at The Samaritan Center.”

The Bay Gals paintings join the exhibit which aims to contribute a sense of peace and healing through art. Maxine spoke on how art can be healing, saying, “Art is meaningful, you don’t have to know the artist, or know art history, but you can just enjoy. It can bring back memories. It can bring a sense of calm.”

In short, art is healing. The Bay Girls have traveled far and wide, visiting and creating art in different locations. Now, their art travels to Samaritan to be a healing piece for patients, families, and staff. As of now, the exhibit has sold three paintings with 20% of proceeds being donated to care services for Samaritan patients.