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Students showcasing artwork at Ottumwa Regional Health Center

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Local Students Transform Ottumwa Regional Health Center into a Vibrant Gallery of Healing

Ottumwa, Iowa – September 12, 2025
On a bright fall afternoon, the otherwise quiet corridors of Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC) turned into a bustling gallery of color, texture, and emotion. Students from the Ottumwa Community School District’s Visual Arts Program displayed a curated selection of paintings, mixed‑media collages, and sculptures that celebrated themes of resilience, hope, and the healing power of art. The event, held on the center’s lobby and second‑floor gallery space, drew residents, health professionals, and parents alike, all eager to witness the creativity of the district’s budding artists.


A Vision of Healing Through Creativity

“Art is a language we all understand,” said ORHC Director Dr. Maria Hernandez at the opening ceremony. “When people see something that speaks to their experience, especially in a healing environment, it can help them feel less isolated.” Dr. Hernandez, who has championed the Center’s community arts initiative since 2023, welcomed the students’ contributions and explained that the exhibit is part of a broader partnership between the health center and the local school district aimed at fostering community engagement and providing a supportive space for artistic expression.

The exhibit, titled “Resilience: Art in Healing,” highlighted works from 18 students, aged 14 to 18, many of whom have faced chronic illnesses themselves or have family members receiving care at ORHC. The students were encouraged to draw inspiration from their personal journeys, encouraging a dialogue between the art and the environment in which it was displayed.

Showcasing a Spectrum of Mediums

Among the 24 pieces on display were:

  • “Roots of Hope” – a mixed‑media collage by sophomore Maya Patel, incorporating recycled paper, photos, and a hand‑stitched representation of a tree whose branches reach into the walls of the health center.
  • “Pulse” – an acrylic on canvas by senior Tyler Nguyen, featuring bold, rhythmic strokes that echo the rhythm of a heartbeat, a nod to the medical context.
  • “Light in the Fog” – a series of translucent resin sculptures by junior Ana López, illustrating how light can cut through darkness, symbolizing the clarity patients and families often seek.
  • “Community Quilt” – a collaborative piece stitched by the entire class, each panel depicting a different aspect of care, from nursing to family support.

The students also incorporated interactive elements: a QR code on each artwork directs visitors to a short video where the artist explains their inspiration, while a small “reflection corner” invites patients and visitors to write or draw their own thoughts about the art.

The Collaborative Process

The project was a year‑long endeavor led by Art teacher Dr. Kevin O’Reilly and two volunteers from ORHC’s Community Outreach team. “We started by talking to patients and staff about what they might find comforting or uplifting,” O’Reilly said. “The students then took those insights and turned them into tangible pieces of art that resonate in a healthcare setting.” The students’ own experiences informed their creative choices, leading to a deeper level of engagement. One student, 16‑year‑old Jasmine Kim, who has been dealing with type 1 diabetes, revealed that painting “was a way to control something in my life that I couldn’t control otherwise.”

Community Response and Future Plans

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Hernandez noted that during the exhibit, many patients paused to look at the pieces, sometimes taking photos or leaving notes of thanks on a dedicated “art appreciation” board. “It’s amazing to see how much of a difference a few paintings can make in someone’s day,” she said.

Local businesses, including Ottumwa Café and the city’s bookshop, also chipped in donations of materials and refreshments for the opening reception. The community’s involvement underscores the collaborative spirit that fuels ORHC’s mission of holistic healing.

In the weeks ahead, ORHC plans to host a series of artist‑in‑resident sessions where students will lead workshops for younger children in the pediatric ward. The school district is also exploring a permanent “Healing Gallery” within the health center, which would rotate student exhibitions annually.

A Look Ahead

“We’re excited about what’s next,” O’Reilly said. “Our students are not just artists; they’re ambassadors of hope for the people who come to the health center every day.” Dr. Hernandez echoed this sentiment, noting that the exhibit has opened doors for future collaborations, such as incorporating music and digital media into healing spaces.

The event’s success has prompted the district to expand the Visual Arts Program to include a new focus on community outreach, ensuring that future generations of students can continue to use their creativity as a conduit for compassion and care.


The “Resilience: Art in Healing” exhibit is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for scheduled maintenance days. For more information about the exhibit or to volunteer with ORHC’s community arts initiatives, visit www.ottumwaregionalhealthcenter.org or contact the Center’s Community Outreach Office at (555) 123‑4567.


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