Bonner General's annual art sale has plenty of soul

When the warm days of spring arrive, the dust flies with all the spring cleaning going on. With our renewed vigor to clean out the old and spruce up the new, you might consider contributing your "used art" to the hospital's art transplant sale, which is scheduled next week, April 18-21.

Whether you call it an art transplant sale or an ultimate garage sale of "used art," it's an event for everyone, whether you're a connoisseur of fine art or just looking for a bargain.

The art transplant sale goes to benefit the "Art for the Soul" program, which has made Bonner General Hospital one of the area's premier art galleries, with more than 200 pieces of hanging art.

The art transplant sale is a fun and profitable way to obtain interesting artwork, clean out a basement or two, and contribute to the success of the hospital's Art for the Soul program.

The sale is an interesting and very "eclectic" variety of art which is collected from community-wide basements, garages and closets. For donation, the hospital is accepting hanging art, sculptures, pottery, prints, photographs, and baskets. Your donated art items can be dropped off at the hospital switchboard.

It's an opportunity to "deck your walls" in your own unique and wonderful way. It's also a way you can simplify and let someone else appreciate your treasurers.

During the week of April 18-21, items will be on display in the main corridor by the hospital gift shop lobby area.

Each item will have a bid sheet placed alongside. As the week progresses, the fun begins when the bids become more competitive on many of the items.

Final bidding is on Thursday, April 21, at 4 p.m..

Whether you choose to donate or accumulate art, we invite you to enjoy this unique art show.

It's your chance to obtain original works of art, or unique items, at very reasonable prices. It's also your chance to donate towards an exciting and healing program.

The Art for the Soul program has changed the look of healthcare within the world of Bonner General Hospital. Instead of looking at long expanses of white walls, you now see paintings, fine prints, handcrafted quilts, and photographs.

In the main lobby, you'll enjoy the photography of Will Hawkins, Cap Davis and Ross Hall. By making the hospital environment more beautiful, the entire healing experience is more positive.

While you may have a difficult time concentrating on television or reading a book, artwork creates a soothing diversion from worried thoughts.

As you tour the hospital's hallways and waiting areas, you'll discover a wonderful collection of the works of many of our local artists. The main hallway off the gift shop lobby area, features the entire collection of The Festival at Sandpoint posters since its beginning in 1983.

When you're knee-deep in spring cleaning, keep the art transplant sale in mind. You may have some paintings that are collecting dust in the basement or garage. Your "white elephant" could be someone else's newfound treasure, or even end up adorning one of the hospital's many walls.

For more information, call the hospital community relations office at 265-1123.