Art donation adds cheer

Horsham artist Ruth Mcintyre has donated work to Wimmera Health Care Group to brighten up areas of Horsham’s hospital.

Ms Mcintyre wanted to donate some of her bright and colourful artwork to areas frequented by children because of her memories of hospitals when she was growing up.

Ms Mcintyre is deaf and has only had hearing for the past four years, since she received a cochlear implant.

“I remember getting my first hearing aid as a child and the room was so sterile,” she said.

“It wasn’t a nice environment.

“My hearing aids never worked and I spent a lot of time at hospital and at doctor appointments. I think some colour and brightness would have made those experiences much nicer.

“My artworks are always very bright and colourful.

“I just like colour, it makes me happy and I think it will make children happier too.”

Ms Mcintyre has been friends with Wimmera Health Care Group midwife Krystyna Wesolek for decades and it was through their friendship that she decided to donate the art to the hospital.

Ms Wesolek said Ms Mcintyre was an amazing artist and an amazing person.

“She has travelled around the world, worked as a hairdresser and followed her dreams despite having no hearing until four years ago,” she said.

“Ruth is very generous with her time and now with her art as well.”

The art is on display in several spaces throughout the hospital including Yandilla ward, speech pathology and pathology areas.