Generally speaking, hospitals are not always known for their morale-boosting atmosphere.

But when in Port Townsend, do as the artists do: Let art heal.

Forty new pieces of art were installed in Jefferson Healthcare by Northwind Art on Wednesday, May 17. The purpose of this exhibit is right in line with Northwind’s mission, “inspiring community well-being through art.”

Northwind’s “Art in the Hospital” began years ago as a joint program with Northwind Arts Center (before the merger with Port Townsend School of the Arts, which created the current Northwind Art) and Jefferson Healthcare.

Northwind lines up community artists (currently six at a time), who each supply seven to eight works to display at the hospital.

The art is also for sale. Each artist receives an “art rental” payment from Northwind Art, and a standard sales commission for any pieces sold.

Art stays in the hospital for three months, and then a new round is installed.

Work is curated by Northwind Art staff, so as to make sure it is appropriate for a healthcare setting.

“Each piece seems to be placed as if they were created for the exact location,” said Amy Yaley, spokesperson for Jefferson Healthcare.

The artwork showcases a vast array of colors and styles; paintings on silk, canvas, and wood, mixed-media work, and even digital pieces.

Artists include Port Townsend locals Larry Crockett, Jay Haskins, and Roberta DeLeo Krause, as well as some satellite creators such as Bainbridge Island’s Vivian Chesterley and Evette Allderings of Port Angeles.

The pieces will stay up through mid-August—after that, Northwind’s showcase manager Ken Hulick will install a fresh set.