NVRH’s Gray Gallery welcomes “Reflections of Our Humanity”

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (July 3, 2019) – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) is pleased to announce a new exhibit by artist Dr. Yelena Kogan in the Charles M. and Hanna H. Gray Gallery.

Kogan grew up in Russia with a strong connection to nature and the planet. However, during her high school years, her family immigrated to the United States. In her new home, she watched as her homeland and her new country changed, from Chernobyl and the end of the Soviet Union to the collapse of the Twin Towers. She began to feel her connection with nature diminishing as her professional education and career grew.

And then, somehow, cats came into her life.

“They trust us so fully, so unconditionally,” said Kogan. “Looking into their eyes, I see an immense love, but also a sense of urgency. So stop, pay attention, connect and be kind to one another and nature, get involved in our community, protect our environment.”

Kogan describes her watercolors as the works of an amateur.

“I have never taken a formal art class and did not know I could paint until 2017, when a friend gifted me a watercolor palette. I had to learn how to hold the brush. Cats seemed like the logical first subject. Then there were dogs, birds, cows, and even a goat. They all have so much to tell us, to warn us about.”

Her works in the gallery will not be priced, rather, Kogan hopes that those who wish to purchase her pieces will donate to the NVRH ARTS program. Please inquire at the lobby’s volunteer desk for more information.

The Gray Gallery is located on the hospital’s main floor. The exhibit will be on display July 8 through August 29. For more information, please contact Associate Director of Philanthropy and Art Gallery Curator Jennifer Layn at j.layn@nvrh.org or 802-748-7313.