NORWICH – Thanks to the efforts of Oxford art teacher Joni Eaton’s mixed-grade advanced art class patients in the surgical wing of Chenango Memorial Hospital (CMH) will have something new to peruse while visiting.
A unique three month long art project, funded by the CMH Auxiliary, challenged the 19 high school students to design and paint original artwork on a 2 foot by 4 foot piece of masonite, which then replaced existing ceiling tiles in various rooms throughout the surgery area.
“This has been a great project and everyone took it very seriously,” said Eaton. “The students really seemed to enjoy the idea that they’re giving patients something interesting and soothing to look at.”
Eaton, who teaches a variety of art courses at Oxford High School, stated the acryllic-based paintings should “last forever,” and considered this “an all around cool project.”
“I think for patients it’s something to distract them in a strange environment when they’re nervous or worried,” said CMH Manager of Surgical Services Patty Roma. “It’s a pleasant distraction during what can be an unpleasant situation and we think this accomplishes that goal.”
Tenth grader Brooke Noble said she enjoyed the project because “we all got to do our own thing, there were no specific guidelines,” while senior Tony Escobar stated he was “inclined to make the best possible artwork for the Chenango Memorial Hospital and I think everyone did very well.”
“I thought about how I would feel, what I would want to see if I were in that position,” added Noble.
For their efforts students were treated to a pizza party and tour of the finished project, and each received a CMH tote bag.
“The hospital staff has been wonderful to work with and treated us wonderfully,” said Eaton.
“We’d like to thank the students for all of their hard work,” stated Roma. “They did a fantastic job.”