Wander through the Art Gallery located in the Kidd 1 hallway at our Kingston General Hospital site, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see some familiar names accompanying the artwork on display.
That’s because the gallery is showcasing the inspiring creations of our very own Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) staff and physician artists, highlighting the creativity and passion that extend beyond the workplace.
To celebrate ten years of local art at the KGH site Art Gallery, members of the hospital’s Art Committee invited members of the KHSC community to submit up to two original pieces for a lively and diverse showcase.
The result is Creativity Lives Here: KHSC Community Art Show.
For this installation, 24 unique pieces were selected, featuring a variety of artistic mediums — from acrylic on canvas and chalk on sandpaper, to stained glass and woodwork.
This exhibition is a celebration not only of artistic talent, but also of the diverse perspectives and innovative spirit that make KHSC so special.
The pieces reflect how creativity thrives within our organization, enriching our workplace culture and fostering a sense of connection — a true testament to how personal passions can enhance professional environments and bring us closer together as a community.
Featured among the many pieces, are those submitted from Leslie Buller-Hayes, Dr. Roshini Kulanthaivelu, Kristen White and Ross Irwin.
Cotton Candy Skies: by Leslie Buller-Hayes, Charge Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
“The inspiration behind my work is rooted in the complex tapestry of life, loss, and resilience. My work reflects the quiet emotions that shape our daily lives, and my time as an ICU nurse has given me a deep awareness of the grief we often carry—those unspoken moments that pulse beneath the surface. I channel these emotions through color, movement, and texture, inviting reflection. Nature also plays a significant role in my creative process. Whether it’s time spent with my animals or simply observing the shifting light in the world around me, these moments remind me of the delicate beauty that we so often overlook.
Ultimately, creating art is both a sanctuary and an offering. It’s a space where grief and beauty can coexist, where stillness and movement meet. Through my work, I hope to invite others into that space—to feel, reflect, and perhaps find their own meaning in the stories I tell.”
Tree of Life: by Dr. Roshini Kulanthaivelu, Diagnostic Radiologist
“I did this during COVID - I think it was May we were in Vancouver, and there were loads of blossom trees. So, I did this series of trees, and this was just one of them. I love it. I use acrylic a lot— art has always been one of those things I’ve done on the side, like some kind of outlet.”
Caroline’s Flowers: by Kristen White, Registered Dietician
“The piece I submitted was inspired by a moment with my grandma, Caroline. She often keeps flowers in her home, and after my grandpa passed away this past summer, her dining room table was overflowing with bouquets. That image stuck with me, and I felt compelled to paint it.
Nature is what inspires me most. There’s so much beauty in the world, even in unexpected places—like a table filled with flowers sent in remembrance of a loved one. I hope people who experience my art take that idea with them: beauty is everywhere, even in moments of grief.
For me, creating art is about enjoying the process, regardless of how the final piece turns out. There’s often pressure to be incredibly skilled at something before sharing it with the world, but I don’t think that should hold anyone back. I’m no Picasso, and that’s okay. Being mediocre at something is part of the human experience, and we shouldn’t be afraid to share our art just because it isn’t perfect.”
Planetary Exploration: by Ross Irwin, Billing Clerk
“This was my first original designed pattern and I got the idea for it after seeing the orange glass that I ended up using for Jupiter. I wanted to picture a view out into space, so I only used planets further out in the system than earth and tried to imply motion with the lines in the back.
The process includes preparing a pattern, choosing the colours of glass, cutting and grinding the pieces, soldering them together and applying a patina. The piece is mostly black patina, but I experimented by turning the warmer hued planets copper and left the cooler hued ones silver.”
To see the KHSC Art Show Gallery, please visit the KGH Site Kidd 1 Gallery until May 26, 2026.
