June 21, 2007 - Media Release

Currently on display at the Cumberland Health Care Art Gallery – Joanne Chilton Photography

AMHERST, NS (June 21, 2007) – Born in Summerside PEI of Acadian heritage and raised in Springhill, Nova Scotia, Joanne Chilton grew up knowing that creativity nourishes the soul. The first camera given to her during her early childhood years became a way to explore and express the world around her. In the last 10 years, Joanne has made photography her main focus of creative expression, leading to several solo and group exhibitions internationally and features in several prominent magazines.

The Cumberland Health Care Art Gallery located on the main floor of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre is currently exhibiting twelve of Joanne’s works in Galleries 3 and 4. The Gallery features both local and from away artists in a variety of mediums (oils, watercolors, photography, etc) with a portion of all sales going to support the Cumberland Health Care Foundation and the Cumberland Health Care Auxiliary with medical equipment purchases. Joanne’s works will be at the Gallery for 4 to 6 weeks.

Joanne’s photography received national attention in 2003 when the cover of “The Antigonish Review”, featuring one of her images, won a top award from the Canadian Magazine Publishers Association. Among the panel of 8 judges were such personalities as Will Ferguson, Wendy Mesley, Heather Reisman and Rick Mercer. That same year Joanne was featured in a nationally broadcast television documentary program Artiste dans l’Ame entitled “Parallel Worlds.” A collaboration with the Nova Scotia Nature Trust produced the acclaimed photographic exhibit “Spirit of Place” in 2004, which was also featured in numerous magazines and exhibited throughout the province.

Joanne’s latest project, documenting the preparations of a Beijing Opera Singer, has been featured in London-based Digital Photo Art magazine, and Photo Life magazine. She currently lives and works in Halifax, NS as a photographer.

The Cumberland Health Care Foundation is a registered Canadian not-for-profit charity dedicated to enhancing the provision of a high standard of health care within Cumberland County by raising funds and supporting new and improved services, programs, equipment and facilities. Its “Growing Care” campaign, which is currently underway, seeks to raise $1.6 million for a fully equipped third operating room and upgrading diagnostic equipment at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre. For additional information, please visit our website at www.chcfoundation.com.