Hospital Uses Sculpture To Comfort Patients and Visitors

On June 17, art enthusiasts were able to enjoy a fun evening out while helping to raise money for a good cause by attending the Annual Outdoor Sculpture Show and Reception at Mather Hospital.

For the 31st year in a row the hospital adorned its front lawn, main lobby, hallways and courtyard with the work of local artists from all over Long Island. What makes this art show stand out from the others, is the fact that 20 percent of the proceeds from the sculptures that are purchased are donated to the hospital.

For the past eight years Public Affairs Coordinator Julie Parenti has worked with hundreds of artists to organize the annual exhibit.

“Its one of my favorite events due to the whole atmosphere that the art brings to the hospital. The patients and visitors love it. It makes people feel more at ease and comfortable,” said Parenti.

Despite the unexpected rainstorm, attendees were still able to converse with the artists in the courtyard while enjoying complimentary snacks and refreshments.

Ghastly Bloom, a first time collaboration between returning metal artist Cruz and ceramic artist Christine Bilbao of Port Jefferson, was one of the most popular sculptures of the show. The freestanding ceramic and metal piece represents not only the light and dark sides of the artists’ personality, but their mutual love of skulls and roses.  

“Its more fun (collaborating) because you feed off of each other. You get more ideas, bounce ideas off of one another and see how you can improve or make something better,” said Bilbao. “By using opposite materials, we were able to make them work together.”

Inspired by the birth of his grandchild, local artist Miro Zupancic created a simple and elegant sculptural piece made from white cement and marble dust entitled, Mother And Child.

“Every artist does a mother and child piece in their own way,” said Zupancic.

Zupancic enjoys working out of his studio in Commack and at several interesting locations in Europe. Like many artists, he works with several mediums including painting, graphics and stained glass. His work is also visible on St. Marks Place in Manhattan, where Mr. Zupancic has created a 16 ft tall stained glass window.

Every year, he continues to have a one-man show of his original work in Europe. After 50 years Mr. Zupancic was able to have a solo show in his home town in Slovenia. His most recent artwork is currently on display at The Art-trium Gallery in Melville.

Dominic Sparano, the editor in chief of Pronto comics, took a break from his illustrative work in order to pursue his interest in working with ceramic forms. His organic application is identifiable in Winged, an abstract slab ceramic piece named after the famous 2nd century BC winged victory sculpture of the goddess Nike.

Jack’s Ride, a metal 3-D sculpture of a dog sticking his head out of a moving window by Gary Garret was among the other well-received, humorous sculptures of the evening. Other stand out pieces included Miriam Hacken’s The Fab Four, Kyra Waddell’s Wire We Here? and Rhys O’Brien’s Last Samurai.

Over forty sculptures will remain on exhibit on the lower level and front lawn of the hospital grounds until Aug. 31. People can enjoy the sculptures and purchase them if they want. Prices range between $400 and $4,000. Anyone interested in purchasing any of the art cal call Julie Parenti in the Public Affairs office at Mather Hospital at 631-476-2723.