September 16, 2005

Paintings in unexpected places brighten patients' rooms

Kelly Perfetti, RN, a staff nurse on the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), wanted to make the patients on her unit more comfortable and give them a break from looking at a plain, white ceiling. She embarked on a project to put artwork on ceiling tiles over patients' beds to give them something uplifting to look at during their hospital stay. With guidance from the MGH Service Improvements Department and financial support through the MGH and Massachusetts General Physicians Organization Making a Difference grant program, Perfetti set to work to make her vision a reality.

After placing an advertisement in the Museum of Fine Arts newsletter, Perfetti attracted the attention of Caleb Neelson, a local painter who volunteered his artistic expertise. He recruited four other painters — Brian Wilmont, Alex Lukas, Ryan Shea-Pare and Justin B. Williams — to help create and paint the 2 by 2 foot ceiling tiles.

Perfetti and Neelson show off two of the tiles.

On Aug. 18, Perfetti hosted a reception in the MICU conference room to thank Neelson and his team for all their hard work. MGH guests also were able to view the completed tiles and meet the artists. Paintings ranged from peaceful landscapes to abstract works.

"Having the paintings completed and installed is just the beginning of one of our initiatives of merging palliative care and critical care by creating a soothing environment for patients and their families," says Perfetti.