COLLICOTT PAINTING TO ADORN NEW PALLIATIVE ROOM

Shown accepting the “Joggins Cliffs” are from left Joe Gauthier, Foundation Managing Director, Sharon Fairbanks Medical Unit Manager from artist Gil Collicott

AMHERST, NS (2009-10-02)   Donating a piece of artwork for one of the two new rooms being outfitted for palliative care by the Cumberland Health Care Foundation was an easy choice to make for local artist Gil Collicott.  “It’s as much an honor to be able to give the Joggins Cliffs piece as knowing it may help someone through a difficult time,” he said.

“I personally don’t have a favorite place to paint - I just enjoy it all”, said Collicott, who started drawing at a young age with color pencils while copying old photographs and from hand-tinted black and white photos.   As he got older, he began to experiment with other mediums such as oils and acrylics. His favorite very quickly became watercolors because he finds them challenging and more versatile.

In outfitting the additional two rooms, the Cumberland Health Care Foundation will be providing funding for two additional specialized hospital beds, dishes & sundry items, sleeper chairs, televisions and any other items required to increase the comfort and treatment of the palliative care patient.  “We’re able to do this due to the kind donations made to the Palliative Care Fund of the Foundation,” said Joe Gauthier, Managing Director of the Foundation, “those donations made in memory of someone can make a difference to others at a very difficult time in life.”

Collicott is known for his series of “Fun Frogs” and refers to his work as “occupational therapy”.   “Before retirement, it helped me unwind from work,” he said “I then became fascinated with dragonflies and frogs for some reason so I try to give them just enough life qualities to be a bit more than they are.”   As someone who has become fully acquainted with the healthcare system due to his own personal experiences and that of his family, Collicott believes in helping where he can.

“We’re always appreciative of people who offer to help,” said Ann Keddy, Director of Public Relations for the Cumberland Health Authority, “however all gifts of artwork, crafts or furniture must first receive approval from  the CHA before the gift can be accepted,” she explained.   “This is to ensure that the item being donated is appropriate and able to be utilized,” she continued “and secondly to ensure that the donor understands that although it may be originally designated for a certain room or purpose, the item may have to be moved or utilized differently as requirements change for the hospital involved.”  

Recently Collicott has been working on illustrations for a children’s book of which the proceeds will be donated to the IWK in Halifax as well as teaching art class with seniors.