St. Raphaël's Palliative Care Home and Day Centre

Attached to a former church, the St. Raphael Palliative Care Home and Day Centre is a place of beauty and meditation. Its glass walls, natural light and high ceilings create an ideal spot for rest and a superb exhibition space. 

Throughout the house’s three floors, the walls showcase the talent of Anne Ashton, Natalie Bassel, Nycol Beaulieu, Mel Boyaner, Steve Driscoll, Karilee Fuglem, Édouard Lachapelle, Landon MacKenzie, Wendy Simon and Alfred Stieglitz. The fifty-five creations on display allow residents at the end of their lives to feel supported and inspired.

In one hallway, a daffodil Anne Ashton painted with a delicate vivacity offers a soft, striking contrast. The first flower to bloom in spring, it bears witness to the last days of people at the centre. In this sense, the work embodies the beautiful but melancholic cycle of life. A long-time friend of the Art for Healing Foundation, Ashton is an accomplished visual artist with a passion for nature. Originally from San Diego, California, she moved to Quebec after falling in love with a Montrealer during a stopover on her way to Paris.

Five prints by Montrealer Mel Boyaner can be viewed on the third floor. Similar colours engage in a circular interplay. Though the works are abstract, they aren’t cold. In fact, the images imbue the space with a zest for life. After spending more than fifty years in the artist’s archives, these five works have been framed and hung. Today, they bring joy to many people.

At the inauguration of the new building and concurrent opening of the collection, our founders were fascinated to see the importance of art in the expressions of gratitude. Although the art collection is only a small part of the entire St. Raphael Home project, it leaves a lasting impression.

From the very beginning, our collaboration with the Art for Healing Foundation has been creative, educational, and tailored to our specific needs. Earl and his team have provided us with inspiration, guidance and support and have allowed us to fill our space with transformational works of art. It is not an exaggeration to say that the artwork helps to create a space of healing—for the patients, their loved ones, and the members of the team—and brings beauty and solace when it is needed most.