Cambridge Artist, Ricardo Maldonado Exhibits at HHCRI

Making art accessible through public and private partnerships is just one of the objectives that makes Public Art Works, a group of professional Rhode Island-based artists, an important entity in the promotion of art in public space. Public Art Works (PAW), began working with HHCRI toward the end of 2009. "Public Art Works is pleased to enter into our third year of art exhibits with HHCRI. Diana Franchitto and her staff have made us and the exhibiting artists feel welcome and at home in her facility. It gives us great pleasure in realizing the positive affect and enthusiasm by staff and visitors when a group of paintings are installed" says Nancy Gaucher-Thomas, member of Public Art Works.

"Our relationship with Public Art Works has been a great benefit to both organizations ", states Diana Franchitto, President & CEO of Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island. "Studies have shown that art can often have a powerful calming and comforting effect on the human spirit. Exhibiting the work of local artists not only gives them an opportunity to showcase their work, but also allows our staff and visitors to enjoy and appreciate some very beautiful art."

Maldonado, a self-taught painter, enjoys paintings and experimenting with color. Says Ricardo Maldonado of his work, "My preferred subjects are related to nature and the outdoors, where the light and the colors change often with the seasons and the time of day. Those changes, subtle or abrupt, are always a challenge to the artist. To me, painting is a hobby and a discipline. Painting has taught me to see things in a different way, observing every detail more carefully and consciously, and ultimately appreciating more deeply what I see." Ricardo has exhibited his work extensively throughout New England and has been included in exhibits at the Boston Convention Center, Logan Airport, the Gutman Library at Harvard University among others and participates in the Cambridge Open Studios tour.

Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island has been a leader in hospice and palliative care for more than three decades and helps people live out the remaining time of their lives with as much comfort and dignity as possible. Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island offers comprehensive medical, emotional and spiritual care for people facing life-challenging illnesses. Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island is an independent, non-profit, Medicare- and Medicaid-certified organization fully licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health and accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program.