Michael Gibbons Artwork

Michael Gibbons artwork added to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital collection

On Monday, Nov. 27, a painting by noted Toledo artist Michael Gibbons was dedicated and blessed during a ceremony attended by dignitaries from Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, Pacific Communities Health District Foundation and Yaquina River Museum of Art.

The painting joins dozens of other curated original artworks created by local artists that adorn the hospital walls, in a project spearheaded by the foundation.

Entitled Winter Surf II, the original oil painting was created by the late Michael Gibbons. The nationally known artist made his home in the coastal mill town of Toledo for many years before his passing in July 2020. The 30-inch by 80-inch painting, with a gold wood frame built by the artist, is a view of the nearby central Oregon Pacific coast. It is one of a series of four paintings the artist made at different times of
the year. Now, patients and visitors can view the piece from the galleria and main entrance of the hospital.

“We are pleased to accept and display this beautiful piece.,” said Karla Clem, foundation executive director. “Many who come to our facility for health care are surprised by the variety, beauty and creativity of the local art pieces displayed throughout our hospital. We are grateful to Yaquina River Museum of Art for giving Winter Surf II for our Pacific communities to enjoy.”

For years, Winter Surf II was owned by a company in Hillsboro then later sold to a company in Lake Oswego, which then gifted it to the non-profit Yaquina River Museum of Art in Toledo. The museum was founded in 2002 by Michael and Judith Gibbons, and the institution has shown the painting each year to the public for the past 11 years in the 1887 School House Exhibit & Office in Toledo.

Recently, the museum’s board of directors decided to make this outstanding painting available for more members of the public to see. Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital was chosen as it is known recognize the value of art in healing situations and for the large number of people who will now have the opportunity to see and appreciate Winter Surf II. 

“The Samaritan Health Services Arts in Health program, known as ArtsCare, is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and healing experiences of patients, employees and community partners through the power of art,” said Erin Gudge, program manager. ArtsCare has worked in conjunction with hospital foundations to bring art experiences to patients and staff.

“One facet of arts in health is creating a healing environment. This is accomplished through architectural and interior design as well as including art and music in healing spaces,” Gudge said.