The Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower continues to strengthen its commitment to patient wellbeing through a volunteer-led art collection featuring more than a thousand donated works.
A Legacy of Healing Through Art
The Wesley Hospital’s art program traces back to the 1990s when volunteers began curating donated artworks to create a calm and uplifting environment for patients, visitors, and staff. In December 2022, volunteers displayed a summer-themed exhibition by Sunshine Coast artist Tony Coles titled A Time to Reset, encouraging reflection and relaxation during the festive season.
Expanding the Collection and Volunteer Efforts
By 2025, the hospital’s collection had grown to include more than 1,000 paintings, prints, photographs, and drawings contributed by international, Australian, and Indigenous artists. Volunteers Caroline McCormack and Kathy Praine have taken key roles in rotating and maintaining the collection across wards and corridors, supported by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Their work ensures that new artworks are regularly displayed, fostering an atmosphere that complements the hospital’s holistic approach to care. In 2025, Darryl, a new volunteer and former diversional therapist, joined the curation team to assist with cataloguing and preserving the growing collection.
Community Contributions Enhance the Program
The collection also reflects the generosity of patients, staff, and local artists. In 2024, artist and former patient Glenise Clelland donated paintings inspired by her travels in Italy to help brighten patients’ days. Palliative Care doctor and photographer Dr Ralph McConaghy donated nature photographs captured in Iceland, New Zealand, Tasmania, and Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, bringing touches of natural beauty to the hospital’s Palliative Care Ward.
Art as a Form of Care
The Wesley Hospital’s art program represents more than decoration — it symbolises connection, creativity, and care. Through the combined efforts of volunteers and donors, the Auchenflower hospital continues to use art as a tool for comfort, reflection, and healing for all who walk its halls.
Published 30-Oct-2025
