Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Fall 2020

Paintbrushes were flying last summer. Visiting artists in the Mental Health Unit (MHU), Bartlett Beginnings and the new Rainforest Recovery Residential Treatment and Withdrawal Management centers were hard at work. From commissioned murals and oil paintings on canvas from local artists, to collections by artists from all over the state, our campus is now graced with beauty and inspiration. ART that soothes the soul Alex Witt Puffins in Italy, anyone? The creative works of art of Behavioral Health Assistant Alex Witt are painted on walls throughout the MHU, from individual rooms to hallways. Alex has enjoyed painting and drawing since elementary school. He considers his artwork a hobby. Alex starts medical school at the University of Washington this fall. MK McNaughton Well-known Juneau artist MK McNaughton has created a series of oil paintings of natural scenes and flowers for the new Rainforest Recovery Withdrawal Management Center. A decade ago, McNaughton quit drinking. So this project has special meaning for her. “I am super honored,” she says. “It’s a beautiful space.” McNaughton’s paintbrush also newly adorned the waiting area in Bartlett Beginnings. Embedded in the paintings are riddles to help big brothers and sisters pass the time. Kelsey Fagan Juneau artist Kelsey Fagan also happens to be an art therapist who spent several years working in a psychiatric hospital in Hawaii. Kelsey feels like she’s come full circle with the withdrawal management mural project. Kelsey is drawn to the healing messages in majestic landscapes right out her door. “There is something that clicks down deep in us and we don’t always have words for it,” she says. Jenae Kesey For one of the detox rooms, artist Jenae Kesey created what she calls a “salmon scape” using soothing colors with words of affirmation. This is her first large- scale project. On a background using house paint, she weaves images in water acrylics. Her painting process is intuitive. Pulling from direct experience and observations fly-fishing and hiking, she paints what comes to her, images emerging from her brush. “It’s good to have an activity that allows that flow. It’s really great for mental health,” she says. “This is the coolest and biggest project I’ve ever done.” Jenae is also a Behavioral Health Assistant, working on an undergraduate degree in psychology at Linfield College. www.bartletthospital.org 11