Local artisans enrich Providence Care’s hospice house with donations

More than 20 local artisans have generously donated artwork to Providence Care’s AB Smith Homestead House, helping transform the hospice house into a comfortable, warm and welcoming space. The donated pieces, including paintings, mixed-media works, and quilts, are displayed throughout the house, providing a peaceful atmosphere for patients and their care partners at end-of-life care. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of these talented artists,” says Providence Care Vice President, Corporate Services and Executive Director, Hospice, Krista Wells Pearce. “Their work not only enhances the physical environment of our hospice house but also brings a sense of beauty and tranquility to those who need it most.” 

AB Smith Homestead House opened to patients and their families on March 19, 2025, and provides compassionate end-of-life care in a home-like setting. Donated artworks by local Kingston artists are hung in all ten patient rooms, in hallways, and in main gathering areas, like the large dining and living room, family-style kitchen, and kids’ corner. Each artist has their own story behind their donation. Many, like Mark Fodey, know grief intimately and hope their artwork adds beauty to a time that, though sorrowful, can also be filled with love and lasting memories. 

“When hospice comes into your life, it is at the most difficult time. It is full of the kindest, gentlest, most caring people you're ever going to meet. It is something that leaves a mark on you. And so, I was so happy and proud to have this piece displayed,” says Fodey.   

Providence Care’s AB Smith Homestead House is Kingston’s first hospice house, serving more than 165,000 community members, and was funded largely through community donations. From the contributions that made its construction possible to the artwork that fills its walls, AB Smith Homestead House is truly a space created by the community for the community. The artistry woven into its design ensures that every person who walks through its doors is met with warmth, dignity, and a sense of peace. 

The following individuals and artists donated artwork to AB Smith Homestead House: 

• Ashworth, Tony (Dr. M.A.) donated a Layne Larsen piece – Autumn Oaks – Black Capped Chickadees, acrylic on canvas; a Konstantin Lomkyn piece – Its Snowing, acrylic on canvas 

• Bastedo, David – Thinking of You, acrylic on wood 

• Begg, Jon – Sunrise Over Lake Ontario, framed photograph; Sunset on Rainy Lake, framed photograph 

• Bohnen-Twiddy, Natalie – Lovely Parrots, french oil on canvas; A Path to the Light, french oil on canvas 

• Colden, Jane – The Cycle, paper butterflies 

• Evans, Jennifer donated a Lisa Free piece – Tranquility, acrylic on canvas 

• Fodey, Mark – Lani, digital photo art 

• Gould, Judith – Summer Clouds & Water, Kingston Shoreline, framed watercolour 

• H'art Centre artists – Multiple pieces, acrylic on canvas 

• Koenig, Lisa Ray – Chasing Sunlight, acrylic on canvas; Bumbles Serenade, acrylic on canvas 

• Langlois, Joanne and Paul donated a Heather Haynes piece – acrylic on canvas 

• Langlois, Susanne – Wolfe Island VIII – Serenity, acrylic on canvas 

• Leishman, Patti – No Rhyme nor Reason, acrylic on canvas 

• Limestone Loopers – Wall hangings, rug hooking 

• Lister, Dianne – Wild Irish Cabbage, framed photograph; Guanacosta Morning, framed photograph; Glacial National Park, Montana, framed photograph 

• Melo, Alice – Captivating Callas, acrylic on canvas 

• More, Anne – Balancing Act, Acrylic on canvas 

• Porter, Katherine – Gentle Landing, acrylic on canvas 

• Quilters – Garlick, Krys & Wells, Barb donated 10 quilts for patient rooms & lap quilts 

• Reid, Michelle – Off the Beaten Path, art on canvas 

• St. Pierre, Jackie – In the Wind, acrylic on canvas; Wind, acrylic on canvas 

• Swan Family – Floral watercolor painted by Marion Swan 

• ten Hove, Beth – Chasing Clouds, acrylic on canvas 
• Webster, Adele – Silver Strata-5, horizons on wood; Turning of the Tide, acrylic and gold leaf on birch panel 

Government funding for hospice care is limited, and the community’s ongoing generosity will be essential to sustain operations. If you’re interested in donating to Providence Care’s AB Smith Homestead House, you can allocate a donation to Providence Care online. 

More photos can be found online at ProvidenceCare.ca.

Artist Mark Fodey poses beside his art piece Lani. 

Art displayed in AB Smith Homestead House. Chasing Clouds (left) & No Rhyme nor Reason (right) 

Kids’ corner at AB Smith Homestead House. Art donated by H'art Centre artists.