“Art for Your Health” Showcases art students from Socorro ISD

By Joe Olvera (c), 2010

Rebecca Padilla, a 10th grader at El Dorado High School was a Featured Artist for her two entries in the 2nd Annual Art Exhibition on Saturday, August 7, 2010. Titled “Art for Your Health,” the collaboration between the Socorro Independent School District and the Sierra Providence East Medical Center featured more than 100 pieces of art created by students in the Socorro Independent School District. Students from grade levels pre-kinder to 12th grade participated. The art pieces were culled from more than 1,800 works of art created by the students. A panel of judges awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals in all grade categories.

Sergio Enriquez, director of Public Relations for Sierra Providence Health Network, said the title for the exhibit came about as a way to provide a good feeling among the Medical Center’s patients. “The Medical Center offers a unique setting in that we are a community hospital. We like to bring the outside world into our beautiful building.” Enriquez said the artwork went up July 12, 2010 and will continue to be exhibited until August 16, 2010. Everyone is welcome to come and view the students’ efforts.

“Art is therapeutic,” Enriquez said. “We strive to keep our patients from focusing too much on their health issues by presenting a variety of distractions. The students also feel good about what they are doing, and knowing that their best work is being seen by hundreds if not thousands of El Pasoans.” For those who wish to view the artwork, it’s being presented at the Healing Gardens, on the Edgemere entrance to the Medical Center located at 3280 Joe Battle.

Daniel Escobar, a public relations specialist with the Socorro ISD, said the partnership with the medical center is ongoing, starting last year. He anticipates that the collaboration will continue for many years to come. ”This amazing show was coordinated through the Fine Arts Department at Socorro ISD,” Escobar said. “The 100 students whose work was chosen for exhibit were really good. Socorro has a very strong arts program, where we try to encourage young people to express themselves through art.” Also present at the event were Medical Center CEO Sally Hurt-Steffen, and Socorro ISD Superintendent Xavier de la Torre – both of whom addressed the student artists.