Officials with the Lyndhurst Foundation have awarded a $25,000 grant to support an art installation in the new Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center at Erlanger.
In making the announcement, Lyndhurst Program Director Kathleen Nolte said the $25,000 grant was made in memory of the late Martha Joan Clark, mother of current Lyndhurst Foundation President and CEO, Benic M. “Bruz” Clark III. “Mrs. Clark was a talented, award-winning painter and member of the Tennessee Watercolor Society for many years and was also very interested in the treatment of cancer in children,” Ms. Nolte said.
“This extremely generous gift, in honor of Martha Joan Clark, will allow us to add artistic features to our new Children’s Hospital at Erlanger,” said Children’s Hospital CEO Don Mueller. “We know that by increasing access to art we can reduce the anxiety levels of children, enabling our doctors and pediatric staff to deliver better clinical care.”
In light of Erlanger’s “dual commitment to improving healthcare services for children and incorporating the arts throughout its various campuses as a tool for healing, the Lyndhurst Trustees believe this gift will align well with Erlanger’s mission and expand its opportunities for incorporating the arts in the new Outpatient Center,” Ms. Nolte told members of the Arts at Erlanger committee in making the announcement.
Kevin M. Spiegel, FACHE, president and CEO of the Erlanger Health System, said, “We are building a Children’s Hospital uniquely designed for the community we serve. This memorial gift, which reflects the many artistic and cultural contributions of Martha Joan Clark, will be part of our new hospital for generations to come. We are deeply appreciative of the Lyndhurst Foundation trustees, and look forward to showcasing the artwork collection made possible by their grant,” he said.
The new Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center on E. Third Street is currently under construction and expected to be completed the end of 2018.