“Healing Art: Inspiration from A Priest and Five Physicians” exhibit features work by local artists & photographers
Sorrel Sky Gallery hosts the show and fundraising event Healing Art: Inspiration from A Priest and Five Physicians opening on October 1 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Featuring over 25 original works, the show includes paintings by Fr. Kevin Novack, pastels by Dr. Don Cook, and photographs by Dr. Charles Black, Dr. Kim Furry, Dr. Martin Pirnat and Dr. Ron Ritz. A reception for the artists begins at 5:30 p.m. in the upper level galleries. The reception and event are free and the public is invited to attend. The show continues through October 15.
Organized by Mercy Health Foundation, the art show highlights the important role that the arts and creative expression play in healing the body, mind and spirit. The Foundation supports patients and families in need of care at Mercy Regional Medical Center by raising money for equipment, programs and services including hospice and charity care. Proceeds from the show will support major advancements in cancer treatment and patient care at the Durango Cancer Center at Mercy Regional Medical Center.
This unique show, Healing Art: Inspiration from A Priest and Five Physicians, is an example of Mercy’s continued commitment to bring spiritual healing together with physical healing, exemplified each day by its collection of over 800 pieces of art on display throughout its numerous health care facilities within the region.
Father Kevin Novack, pastor of St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango who offers mass in the Mercy Chapel every week, is an accomplished painter. Fr. Novack's semi-abstract watercolor paintings flow with color, shapes and symbols that merge to offer a view of the world as harmonious, interconnected and whole. “I love the natural world –it offers a platform in which to explore color, movement and dynamic composition. The painting is an ongoing conversation between the image and myself that continually unfolds: I am exploring and learning about myself and the world that I live in and the spirit in which I believe,” Fr. Novack offered.
Dr. Kim Furry finds taking pictures stress relieving. “I like photography because it has made me slow down and pay attention to my environment,” Dr. Furry commented. Dr. Furry's panoramic landscape photographs capture the grandeur of the Mountain West.
Dr. Charles Black and Dr. Martin Pirnat also direct their lenses toward the majesty of the landscape and its inhabitants in their color photographs of the region. Dr. Ron Ritz takes us to lands far away with his black-&-white portraits of people encountered on his travels through Asia. Dr. Don Cook, well known locally for his pastel paintings, presents landscapes close to home. 
Sorrel Sky Gallery owner Shanan Campbell Wells is a long-time supporter of Mercy Health Foundation and, for many years, has opened the gallery as a venue for Mercy fundraising events. Wells offered, “Mercy is such an important part of our community and region. It is an absolute honor to help sustain their healing work. This show reminds us what a powerful impact art has on both the maker and the viewer.”
Sorrel Sky Gallery’s fresh approach to Western art presents a select collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry for the discerning collector. Sorrel Sky Gallery was founded in Durango, CO in 2002 and opened its Santa Fe, NM location in 2014. It represents over 75 painters, sculptors and jewelers including bronze artist Star Liana York, painter Billy Schenck, and Ben Nighthorse, among others.