Norte Maar: Art Appreciation at Evergreen Valley

North Countryman, March 29, 2004By Ann HawksbyThe newest concept at Evergreen Valley Nursing Home and Hassett's Day Center is a learning experience for all involved.'Art at Evergreen Valley' is designed in affiliation with Norte Maar, as a rotating series of contemporary art exhibits, which can be viewed weekdays from 2 - 5 p.m.A reception was held Tuesday evening to welcome the first artist, Patrick O'Brien, with his "Magic Squares" exhibit.O'Brien described his work as "a form of meditation." Using texture, color, patterns, edges, surface, and luminosity, the artist creates numeric visual puzzles that are hard to walk away from. They engage the viewer, teasing their mind and vision.Evergreen Valley Administrator Wendie Bishop said the Hassett Day Services "members" welcomed the art with open arms."We even have some members who like to choose which pieces they would like to sit next to," she said, "it's just a wonderful opportunity for us."She said the art adds life to the bare brick walls in the day center that used to be the old nursing home chapel.O'Brien, of West Chazy, has been featured in many other art exhibits throughout the North Country and in NYC.O'Brien is also involved in a voluntary project to help beautify the area around Georgia Pacific and towards the waterfront. A replica of his mural design was also on display during the reception.The curator, Jason Andrew, of Norte Maar, said his mission was to bring the home to life, and uplift the members' spirits with joy through the use of art.He pointed out a steel sculpture also on display by James Ryan, and a few paintings by local artist James Juron. His beautifully layered and textured pieces were hung in the administrative offices.Andrew explained that having the artwork was new to both the residents and the staff at Evergreen Valley, so they needed to be educated in how to handle having them."Unfortunately we cannot just have these expensive paintings hung in the hallways where some of our residents would not realize they could not touch them, and that sort of thing," Bishop explained.Andrew also noted that special care and cleaning methods also had to be taught to the staff."We are just delighted to have the exhibits," Bishop said, "its so nice to see our people respond to the art, and it brings in warmth and color."The Art Exhibition will continue until July 9. The artists and Administration at Evergreen Valley encourage the public to come in and visit.