Honoring Lynda Rivkin, a passionate artist
“When our mother unexpectedly passed away, we wanted to do something special to highlight her brightest qualities. As an artist her vision stretched beyond the canvas. Free from conventions and airs she was inspired by fresh ways of thinking. Taking her creative directive we scoured the Internet for an organization that embodied her personality—a Philadelphia native, passionate artist, and devoted mother and grandmother. When we clicked on Fresh Artists it was like hitting the trifecta, and we got much more than the satisfaction of simply donating to a charitable organization. Fresh Artists has created a living memorial for our mom that will inspire children, and humanity, for generations to come.”
Lynda Isadora Smukler Rivkin
Words from the Brooklyn-based family of Lynda Isadora Smukler Rivkin, a joyful, unconventional matriarch who knew no boundaries or airs. The family chose Fresh Artists as the focus of memorial gifts being made to honor this extraordinary, creative woman. We worked with them to find the perfect placement for the several large-scale digital reproductions of children’s artwork that their group’s financial gift made possible. We searched for a place where the vibrant reproductions of children’s artwork would have a healing impact on small children...four treatment rooms at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Kids undergoing stressful, sometimes painful treatments for up to 6 hours will now have the company of beautiful, unconventional artwork, hopefully to distract them a bit from the “business at hand”, and transport them to a less stressful, happier time and place.
The artwork was chosen by a team of 10 nurses from several clinical departments using these four treatment rooms. They looked through the entire collection of more than 500 images that children have donated to Fresh Artists and chose pictures that are both intricate (to keep the children engaged) and calming. Color and content were considered. It was a lively discussion and a fun break for the nurses.
Undersea Garden, Aiesha Chambers, Grade 4, Watercolor and marker on paper
The family will gather this fall to see the artwork they made possible in place and to celebrate Mrs. Rivkin’s life and spirit. We hope they will be comforted by the amazing change their artwork has brought to these formerly visually sterile and often frightening treatment rooms.
Giving a memorial to Fresh Artists can bring years of mood-lightening hope and inspiration to interior spaces in need of refreshment. Contact us if you would like to discuss a small or large honoring project. We have lots of ideas, and would welcome working with you to find the perfect placement. Call 215-920-3317 or write bcallen@freshartists.org
Wissahickon Creek, by Cruz Gallardo-Bernal, Grade 12, Colored pencil on paper
