Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence

Every second is precious at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence. In this modest, comfortable space, art accompanies residents in celebrating the last chapter of their lives. 

To respect the sensitive nature of this stage of human life, the works were carefully selected for their therapeutic virtues of tranquility, serenity and joie de vivre.

Throughout the floor, six paintings by Ontarian Steve Driscoll impress with their imposing size and vibrant colours. Depicting Canadian landscapes, the paintings are reminiscent of the Group of Seven. Each offers an immersive experience for a brief escape from reality.

When people enjoy art, they forget that they’re ill or that they have a loved one who’s here. They lose themselves in the art and for the moment that they’re appreciating the art, their wellness is enhanced.

Nature is also present in the family room with the large canvas “(No) Man’s Land” by the renowned artist, Peter Krausz. The sensitivity and intelligence of the Montrealer, originally from Romania, shine through in the breathtaking landscape. The painting promotes relaxation and inspires deep contemplation.

Another landscape painted by a former resident adorns the space (for reasons of confidentiality, his name cannot be revealed). Living in the same West Island neighbourhood as the residence, the artist himself donated his colourful work. Shortly after this generous gift, he was tragically diagnosed with an advanced cancer. When he arrived at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, his painting had not yet been installed, so the healthcare team temporarily placed it in his room. However, this didn’t last long, since the painter wanted his work to be shared in the public space for everyone’s enjoyment.

This story evokes that of Teresa Dellar, the facility’s founder. After showing total dedication to creating a peaceful haven for terminally ill patients, she herself sadly succumbed to cancer in 2019, at the age of fifty-eight.

During the project, we were greatly touched by her gesture. We hope to have honoured her mission by installing fifty-four works by artists, such as Anne Ashton, Nycol Beaulieu, Steve Driscoll, Peter Hoffer, Peter Krausz, Édouard Lachapelle, Michael Levin, Finn O’Hara, Chirag Pandya, Lynda Schneider Granatstein and Susan G. Scott.