Letter to the editor
Published 1:30 am Saturday, April 25, 2026
I was delighted when I saw the article on Page 1, above the fold, of the April 18 edition of The Daily World, about the upcoming, semi-annual show at the Harbor Regional Health Healing Gallery, but the article implies that the hospital is both creator and curator of the gallery, which is not correct. This program, now in its 14th year, is a collaboration between the hospital and Our Aberdeen, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, whose mission is to promote our vital art community and instill pride in Aberdeen’s citizens by illustrating its unique history and outstanding achievements. Our Aberdeen has helped change the face of Aberdeen with artworks in retail establishments; murals throughout the downtown corridor; refurbishment of the Critters; a county-wide, five-day artists’ open studio tour; and input for an historic preservation ordinance, in addition to the Healing Gallery shows.
When the hospital’s emergency facility was constructed, the 50-foot corridor that connects its two buildings was designated as an art gallery. It was offered to hospital staff members as a place where they could exhibit their own artwork. This proved not to be successful. Tom Jensen approached Our Aberdeen about running the gallery — initiating calls to artists, selecting pieces from those submitted with input from hospital staff, and hanging the shows. All artworks are for sale and, if sold, neither Our Aberdeen nor the hospital takes a commission. The hospital takes care of publicity with input from Our Aberdeen, mails out reception announcements from a list provided by Our Aberdeen, and provides light refreshments at the receptions. Nancy Farrar-Coughlin is the current curator of the gallery. She, like Our Aberdeen’s board, officers and staff, is an unpaid volunteer and she does an excellent job of curating the shows.
As an aside, the hospital accreditation board paid a visit to the hospital on the day of one of the gallery’s receptions and hospital staff brought the board members to the reception. They were very impressed with this community outreach program, and we and staff think it helped to secure the hospital’s accreditation.
I believe people and organizations should get recognition for a job well done and hope that Nancy’s and Our Aberdeen’s efforts will be acknowledged going forward.
Sylvia Dickerson
Vice-President and Art and Mural Chair
Our Aberdeen
