From the Heart and Soul of Africa on exhibit through May 6, 2012   Artists' Reception Friday, February 10, 2011 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wine & hors d'oeuvres Wine courtesy of Fess Parker Winery   by Thomas Mwasangwale   The paintings in this exhibition are by African artists, many of whom have discovered that through art they can express bold forms and colors of their environment and escape from the harsh realities of living in poverty and struggling with day-to-day living. Most of the artists have had no formal training and paint with raw talent and a desire to 'paint Africa' as they see it. these are all exciting original pieces that present an opportunity to experience some- thing of the life and soul of this magnificent and complex land.   On display through February 5 Annual Friends & Family Show         The Harris and Fredda Meisel Gallery of Art brings Healing Arts to CRH, our commitment to using the visual arts as a way of transforming the medical environment from a de-personalized setting to one of color and inspiration.   The Gallery is a vision of the hospital’s founder, Harris Meisel, MD, and is situated in two distinct but connected areas of the hospital.   One area offers the semi-permanent exhibit of artwork by Harris Meisel, MD. Dr. Meisel holds a degree in fine arts from Temple University as well as a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Meisel believes that the creative energy in an artist's work offers a powerful healing opportunity.   The main gallery area offers a large space that allows for group exhibitions. CRH has brought works of art into the hospital on a permanent and rotating basis to enhance corridors and treatment areas for patients and families.   The Meisel Gallery of Art Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital 2415 De la Vina Street Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Phone: 805-687-7444 Gallery Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.     Exhibit Opportunities Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation (CRHF) believes that the creative energy in an artist's work contributes to a powerful healing environment.  Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH) patients, visitors, and team members have the opportunity to create a bond with art that supports and contributes to the rehabilitation process.   Showing artwork in The Harris and Fredda Meisel Gallery of Art offers the artists a unique venue in which to present their work to the greater Santa Barbara community.  The spacious gallery walls and hallways are open to the public, as well as available for viewing by CRH patients, families and friends.   Gallery The Harris and Fredda Meisel Gallery of Art is 450 running feet of public hallway in Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital.  The Gallery is easily accessible from the Lobby of CRH, entered from the   De la Vina Street.entrance, served by valet parking. Guidelines Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation handles all sales transactions, retains 25% of each sale, and has the right to change this agreement prior to contracting with an artist for a show. The artist provides a price list. Artwork may be shown that is not for sale. CRHF makes the final determination as to where in the gallery an artist may show. Art may not weigh more than 25 lbs, be taller than 4 feet or deeper than 3.5 inches. CRHF cannot exhibit freestanding sculpture. All art must be dry, wired and ready for hanging by CRH team members on a predetermined day. CRHF will insure the value of the art if a pricelist is provided prior to the opening of the exhibit for an internal limit of $12,500.00 per piece. Each artist will receive up to 50 invitation postcards per show to mail to his/her patrons. CRHF may mail a pre-determined number of postcards for each show, listing all artists that are showing. Each artist will provide $15.00 for refreshments and hors d’oeuvres for the show opening which is due upon submitting their artwork. The artist is encouraged to be present at the reception and be available to speak with the media at any time. The artist or CRHF may remove artwork at any time during the show; however, a piece must be replaced with another or the artist must permit RHF to put another work of art in its place. CRHF determines, prior to the show, the date and time that all artwork must be removed from the gallery. CRHF retains the right to refuse to show any artist or piece of art. CRHF retains the right to lengthen or shorten the show after it has begun.