Arrival exhibition at Waterford Regional Hospital - December 2003

Waterford Healing Arts Trust, in partnership with the Maternity Department of Waterford Regional Hospital launched a major open submission exhibition on the theme of birth and new life which in the hospital in December 2003.

Eighty-two artists from around Ireland responded to the invitation to submit artworks on this theme. Forty-four artworks were selected by representatives of the Maternity Department of WRH and the Waterford Healing Arts Trust. The final selection comprises a wide range of materials, techniques and approaches to the question of new birth including ceramic and glass sculptures, light boxes and digitally produced photographic collages. The final selection includes works by Barbara Cullen, Lorraine Whelan, Sharon Kelly, Nicholas Reuland, Caroline Schofield and glass artist Roisin Leadbetter.

This exhibition employed art to deliver messages of culturally diverse parenting, breast-feeding and the importance of relationships between the baby and different members of the family. It offers artists, many of whom are parents, an opportunity to reflect on the experience of parenthood and giving birth.

The exhibition was launched by Joan Johnson, a local historian and member of the South Eastern Health Board. As the first appointed Obstetric Physiotherapist outside of Dublin, Joan established the Physiotherapy Services in Waterford Maternity Hospital, Airmount, before the Maternity Services moved to Waterford Regional Hospital. Joan has also contributed greatly to the promotion of women’s health in the South East.