Ventura, CA. - ”Green” is the theme of a new art exhibit Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation is showcasing at Community Memorial Hospital from Dec. 6 through March 6, 2011. The public is invited to view the art at a “Meet the Artists” reception on Tuesday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the hospital’s first-floor lobby.

Some paintings and drawings hanging on the hospital’s first-floor walls will feature images of pastures, forests and lagoons. Others will evoke feelings of renewal, safety and health. Others still will be inspired by environmental protection and sustainability.

“It’s a little bit of everything,” said Emily Thompson, executive director of the Buenaventura Art Association, a co-sponsor of the exhibit. “When I put out a call to our artists, I told them ‘Think green!’”

All works are by local artists and are for sale throughout the exhibit. Proceeds from each sale go towards the maintenance of the program, local artists, Buenaventura Art Association and philanthropic support of Community Memorial Hospital.

CMH has been holding art exhibits quarterly for the past two years, and Thompson said they have proven to be successful in exposing art to a wider audience.

“The goal of the CMH exhibits is to get the community involved and make art more accessible,” Thompson said. “I’ve heard instances of people going to the hospital to visit family members or friends and they end up unexpectedly buying artwork. I’ve heard of patients buying artwork too.”

This event is open to the public and reservations are not necessary. Community Memorial Hospital is located at 147 N. Brent St. in Ventura.

Community Memorial Hospital is a member of Community Memorial Health System, a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and nine family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.