Local artist and philanthropist, Trish Duggan in front of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital where her installation is on display in one of the Children’s wings.
For all the wonderful, life-saving work they do, hospitals can often appear scary, sterile, and intimidating to patients both young and old.
Many children in need of the special care provided by the experts at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital can find being at the hospital or doctor’s office a stressful and frightening experience. Local artist and philanthropist, Trish Duggan wanted to change that by installing an art exhibit to help create a calming and cheerful experience for children. She realized that art has the ability to transform spaces and not only provide comfort, but significantly improve the health of patients in their journey to a healthy recovery.
Ms. Duggan donated a powerful installation on behalf of Imagine Museum of over 300 cast glass butterflies to be displayed in the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital at their St. Petersburg, FL campus where children receive specialized therapies and follow-up care. The installation of glass butterflies is titled “See the Beauty Emerge in Every Difficult Situation” and the intention is to inspire young patients to do just that.
“Ms. Duggan helped to create a beautiful space where our young patients can heal and grow stronger.” Jenine Rabin
Jenine Rabin, Executive Vice President at the St. Petersburg Campus of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital thanked Ms. Duggan for her thoughtful donation saying, “Ms. Duggan helped to create a beautiful space where our young patients can heal and grow stronger. ‘See the Beauty Emerge in Every Difficult Situation’ certainly speaks to the varied circumstances our children and families find themselves in during recovery. Thank you again for sharing your talent with us.”
As a mother of eight children, the health and wellbeing of children is very important to Ms. Duggan. In fact many of her philanthropic initiatives revolve around helping develop leadership skills while increasing the chance of success and opportunity for all children. “Having a thriving and active imagination is a key step in overcoming any obstacle. If you can imagine something you can make it a reality! I wanted these butterflies to create a cheerful environment, to inspire kids to recover quickly and dream up exciting futures for themselves after their recovery.” said Ms. Duggan when asked why she sponsored the exhibit.
The butterflies were previously on display at Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg FL. Imagine Museum features several family friendly activities geared toward children. Imagine Museum has reimagined special tours — including a very fun Magical Glass Mystery tour for families. This combines a scavenger hunt for kids to find small, magical, mystery creatures who escaped from the museum’s gift shop and are hidden throughout the museum.
All are welcome to tour Imagine Museums contemporary glass museum in a safe and clean environment. Experience the uplifting joy of the vast collection and find wonder in the passion and creativity of master glass artists from around the world. Visit www.imaginemuseum.com to learn more.
An up close look at some of the colorful joyful creatures created by Trish Duggan that demonstrate transformation is a part of life.
Butterflies flutter down the hallways of the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital at their St. Petersburg, FL campus