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Spring is here...opportunities for new growth...take in a deep breath of fresh air...
I mean art!

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Giving Back : Now As Important As Ever

Magis (pronounced màh-gis):
Founded on the principles of Diversity, Service, and Spirituality, Magis creates in men, lifestyles which strive to do "more" for humanity.

One of our give-back programs involved a day at Loyola's Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital, dozens of acrylic paint colors, a crate full of raw wood picture frames and the enthusiasm of the young patients and their families to paint with us. Some projects were created in an activity room, as was the case with eight-year-old Maria Hernandez (top photo). Others were created bedside, for those too sick to venture out; seven-year-old Daniel Zuniga (bottom photo) worked intently from his hospital bed while I helped him to create a colorful, custom-designed photo frame.

At the end of the day, not only had we provided a break in the day-night-day cycle, and in the seemingly endless barrage of tests, but also an art therapy project which yielded hand-painted picture frames that may be proudly displayed for years to come.

I am grateful for my relationship with LUMC, which affords me the opportunity to touch the lives, albeit briefly, of some brave young patients and their families.

In appreciation, one hospital administrator offered a Jesuit interpretation of our contribution:

     “On our campus we have a favorite Latin word, “Magis.” We recognize Magis behaviors among our staff and faculty and promote this as a way to provide excellence in service. Your work here is a great example of Magis.”

NorthShore Magazine Feature : Medicine Man

Sometimes the difference between a stressful and acceptable hospital stay is the simple matter of the right art being on the walls.

In some cases, Jan’s job is as simple as lowering artwork so that people in wheelchairs can easily view it, but sometimes it involves the total overhaul of a décor scheme or the inclusion of new art pieces to distract patients from the stress of tests and scans. He’s worked in some 50 medical environments.

Click here to read the full article

Featured Project : Saint Mary's E.R.

The Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center's Emergency Department is an extremely high use E.R. located on Chicago’s west side. Maintaining the hospitals brand image while selecting healing imagery specific to the population that visits the facility was as important as its state-of-the-art technological features.

The Architectural Firm of Loebl Schlossman & Hackl incorporated a uniquely shaped consult room into the E.R.'s waiting area. While aesthetically pleasing, the curved exterior wall presented a challenge when it came to wall decor. Marion's simple and serene solution answers this challenge by implementing a series of related, vertically-oriented landscapes to adorn the room's curved exterior. Framed in a durable and environmentally friendly hardwood, the security installation method employed will ensure that the art looks good for many years to come.

A dedicated art consultant, Marion aims to use art and design to create comforting, patient-centered healing environments. All Marion's healthcare installations implement art programs that calm anxious patients, create havens for waiting families, or improve the work environment for staff. He is a firm believer in the evidence-based research which supports the use of art to promote wellness - he knows that artwork can be an integral component of a patient's positive emotional well-being. Marion's therapeutic brand of "modern medicine" will make visits to Saint Mary's E.R. a little more comfortable for all who pass through its doors.

WGN Midday News : Frame This...

Jan Marion recently appeared on WGN's Midday News to share some tips about what and how to frame, and when to consult a professional.

Marion reminds us that we never really know what will be priceless 50 years from now. Using preservation practices will keep your artifacts in “mint condition,” preventing any decline in appearance or value.

Click here to watch the video

Featured Artist : Voytek

Internationally acclaimed artist Voytek has a unique enthusiasm for color - his juxtaposition of which gives his oil works a distinct style. His warm, impressionistic landscapes display nostalgic memories of his native Europe. Refined Old World sentiment is infused with modern flavor, which distinguishes Voytek from other landscape artists. His portraits are glimpses into his subjects' very souls.

"Night of Sepia"                   

to view more of Voytek's artwork, click here or visit our gallery

One Minute Interview : Pam Rosenberg

Our very own Pam Rosenberg, ASID, IIDA, and head of our Wilmette gallery, was featured in the One Minute Interview section of the ASID Illinois Chapter Newsletter, Inside Illinois' Winter '08 issue.

Congratulations, Pam!

click here to read the full interview