Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

On June 15 the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation welcomed Amy Loewan to the hospital with a gift of art that could not have come at a better time.

Composed of traditional Chinese materials, “Forward with Peace” is a spin-off piece of Amy’s 20 yearlong Peace Project. This beautiful work depicting four doves comprises eight words in thirty-five different languages, written over and over again on pieces of rice paper and are then woven together. Those words - compassion, kindness, respect, understanding, patience, tolerance, gentleness and forgiveness – share a powerful and requisite message.

“The eight words represent the values needed to create a better world, and the four doves, a universal symbol of peace that everyone can recognize,” said Loewan. “Anyone who looks at those doves, no matter their age, nationality or religion, knows what they stand for.”

“We are different genders, different nationalities, different cultures, different colours, and different sexual orientations. We are all different, but I believe that we all hope for the same things.” “When people look at this piece, I hope that they take the time to contemplate its meaning. I hope that they look at those eight words and wonder ‘what does this mean to me?’ I hope that the different languages give them a feeling of diversity. I hope that people can see and feel the serenity the image is meant to convey.”

“I want people to see the peace doves, the words and the languages woven together and know that we can all come together if we learn to understand and respect each other. This is my hope.”

“Forward with Peace” can be found on the first floor of the Robbins Pavilion near the elevators.

________________________________________________________________________________

Donating a work of art is a meaningful, personal way to enrich the hospital environment of healing, beauty and well-being.

By introducing original works of art into the hospital setting, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation seeks to promote the benefits of an environment that is rich in the visual arts. Art stimulates thought and conversation. It awakens imagination and the senses. It evokes emotion and memory. Perhaps most importantly, extensive research has proven that where there is art in a healthcare setting, there is also healing that happens faster and more comprehensively.

Visit our Gifts of Art giving page for more information on how you can contribute to the Gifts of Art program.