Most will agree that northern Michigan is like living in one big playground, from its beaches, rivers, and streams, to endless dune forests, marshes, and wide-open grasslands.
This summer, the Frankfort Medical Group—a primary care clinic located within Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital—teamed up with the Oliver Art Center to offer local students the opportunity to celebrate their home state and showcase their work on the clinic’s walls.
Eight submissions were selected that depict the theme, Michigan at Play. The student submissions depicted many ways in which we can enjoy our natural surroundings.
This theme was intentionally chosen to promote the importance of play. “Play that is creative, active, and involves exploring the world around us not only strengthens the brain and the body but also decreases stress. And best of all, play is inherently fun,” explained Jennifer Kuiper, MD, Board Certified in Pediatrics.
The Frankfort Medical Group is home to three providers—Jennifer Kuiper, MD, Mark Kuiper, MD, and Nancy Smith, MD, who hope that all children develop a love for play that continues into adulthood.
“We would like to thank the talented student artists for bringing to life Michigan at Play. Their wonderful illustrations will be an encouragement for both play and creativity to all who see them,” Kuiper added.
This is just one of the many virtual programs the Oliver Art Center has offered the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recent offerings include their 'Make a Mask, Make a Difference' initiative which collected artistic handmade masks that were then donated to help support those keeping the community safe on the frontlines of the pandemic.
Congratulations to the following young artists whose work will be displayed on the Frankfort Medical Group walls:
- Caroline Gilbert, Age 4, Frankfort, MI
- Hattie Gilbert, Age 2, Frankfort, MI
- Grace Green, Age 16, Williamsburg, MI
- Sofia Ham, Age 10, Copemish, MI
- Sage Kerney, Age 7, Frankfort, MI
- Annie Robison, Age 4, Frankfort, MI
- Breanna Schneider, Age 16, Onekama, MI
- Eleanor Shubert, Age 6, Grand Rapids, MI
