Art and healing come together in Pugwash

North Cumberland Community Health Foundation recently welcomed patients, families, staff and guests to the healing garden at North Cumberland Health Care Centre (NCHCC) in Pugwash for a special unveiling. 

Chairs at High Tide, a watercolour by renowned Nova Scotia artist Joy Laking, is the newest piece to join the space where many come seeking rest and reflection. With its cool blues and iconic Adirondack chairs, the artwork was chosen in collaboration with staff to reflect the values of peace, care and healing.

“The cool blue colours soothe the soul,” says Louise Cloutier, co-founder of the Pugwash Open Air Gallery. “It feels like we are transported to another location. When you are in hospital with the weight of the world, art like this allows you to escape and breathe a little easier.”

The celebration brought together Joy, her family, members of the Pugwash Open Air Gallery Committee, staff, and foundation members. Guests shared tea, coffee and cupcakes in the garden, surrounded by stories and laughter.

For Joy, who has been painting Nova Scotia landscapes for more than 50 years, the chance to contribute to a space designed for healing carried special meaning. “I have been capturing the beauty of Nova Scotia for decades,” she says. “Whenever possible I paint on location. It is an exhilarating challenge to set out, find a subject, and complete an entire painting in four to seven hours. These paintings are loose, spontaneous and depict the tides, the lighting, and the moment. It’s my hope that this work helps bring a sense of calm and connection to everyone who visits.”

The installation is the 20th artwork added to the Pugwash Open Air Gallery, a cultural project under the umbrella of Communities in Bloom which encourages the development of artistic excellence and stimulates awareness of and interest in visual arts. The initiative brings large-scale reproductions of local art to outdoor spaces, making them accessible to everyone, while highlighting the region’s creative talent. 

“The concept of an open-air gallery would not be possible without the support of our community, who host reproductions or original art in buildings, making it accessible to all,” says Louise. “Thank you to NCHCC for welcoming us when we proposed hanging an art reproduction in the garden. As advocates of wellness, it’s clear they value the role that art plays in healing.”

The healing garden itself continues to grow with the support of the North Cumberland Community Health Foundation, which has also added Adirondack chairs and a gazebo for patients, families and staff to enjoy. Together, these touches of art and nature help create an environment where healing is not just about medicine, but also about moments of reflection, beauty and community.

Photo of artist Joy Laking with her husband, Jim, and daughter, Danica, in front of her painting Chairs at High Tide during a celebration in the Healing Garden at North Cumberland Health Care Centre.