Horst Meder donates 16 paintings to hospital

Talented artist shares his canvas with community

By Mark Schadenberg

It takes a considerable amount of patience and talent to paint nature and wildlife.

There is an abundance of talent among the healthcare specialists at the Woodstock Hospital – on Juliana Drive since November of 2011 – as they see a lot of patients.

An accomplished Woodstock artist recently donated several paintings to the hospital, so his talent could also be shared with hospital patients and visitors.

Horst Meder, who I’ve known through my parents as long as I can remember, is an award-winning painter, who concentrates mostly on scenic works, which often includes birds or other wildlife in their natural habitat.

I read in the latest Woodstock Hospital newsletter (Summer 2013) that Meder donated 16 original works to now be displayed in hospital hallways and waiting rooms.

“When I go anywhere, I can see a finished painting in my mind and I then can go and execute the scene on canvas,” said Meder in the newsletter story, which included a photo of the painter in front of a picture capturing Canada Geese.

The hospital accepts donated art for many reasons – more than just a way to adorn the blank white walls of a corridor.

“There is more and more evidence to show that caring for the whole person, both the physical and psychological aspects of healing, leads to a faster recovery,” said Kathy Deweerd, hospital foundation gift coordinator.

A story in the Woodstock Sentinel-Review noted that Meder immigrated to Canada from Germany in 1958, but didn’t really pick up the painting hobby until about 20 years later.

“The framing is costly, the material is costly,” said Meder to the Woodstock newspaper. “It’s quite an expense but I’ve made a lot of donations to a lot of charities before and I’ve got pictures all over the world.”

As the Woodstock Art Gallery has often promoted, you can rent works by many Oxford artists from the gallery on Dundas Street, including at least one Meder production.

Just as a doctor must study and practise for years to develop their craft, any artist must also spend countless hours of meticulous motion and creativity to hone their skills.

“I am happy to share my paintings with the residents of Oxford County,” Meder added in a quote lifted from the hospital brochure. “Looking at artwork is a wonderful way to pass the time while in the hospital.”

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Woodstock Sentinel-Review story

LINK
http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2013/06/28/woodstock-artist-donates-16-wildlife-paintings-to-woodstock-hospital  

   

Mark Schadenberg

Sales Representative

Royal LePage Triland Realty

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com