Former Shepherd Center Patient to Donate Mural to New Chapel

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When the Shepherd Center’s newly-renovated chapel opens to the public, it will be festooned with bright artwork painted by a one-time patient who was inspired to contribute more inspiring art to the center.

Gail Foster came to the rehabilitation center in Buckhead in November of 2013 unable to walk after suffering an incomplete spinal cord injury. Through months of rehabilitation and encouragement from the Shepherd Center staff, Foster was able to walk again in January of 2014, the center reports.

While staying at the center, Foster would keep herself busy by painting scenes filled with light. These paintings drew all manner of curious and inspired onlookers, and helped the artist in her recovery. The center’s chaplain helped Foster understand that her artwork was part of her spiritual healing and was just as important as the physical healing she was undergoing.

When the center decided to renovate its chapel, Foster was asked to contribute artistically to the new space. Foster decided to maintain her theme of bright light screaming out of the darkness, but on a mural-sized scale. Furthermore, Foster plans to donate the art to the center at no charge.

Foster said in an interview that she wanted to thank the center for helping her paint again, and hoped her art would help future Shepherd Center patients find hope and encouragement in their own battles and journeys towards health.