Marshfield Clinic Phillips Center will have a new piece of Northwoods original artwork for patients to enjoy thanks to a donation from the Barker family.
Marion, Bruce and BJ Barker recently donated artist Lucia Hokanson's "The Roses," to the Clinic's Development Department. Hokanson, originally from Sweden, created the piece in 1965.
"We wanted to donate this piece of her artwork to the Marshfield Clinic Phillips Center, because Marshfield Clinic has been very good to me," said Bruce Barker. "We wanted it to be in a public place where more people could enjoy it."
Hokanson was a mural painter in New York until 1958, when she moved to Wisconsin, just north of Washburn. Her paintings traveled to a number of countries and three of her works were sent to the White House – one for Tricia Nixon's wedding. She was honored for her painting on plaques, decorative stones, driftwood, lockets and pins. She died in 1974.
"We're grateful for this generous donation and understand that this artist holds special meaning for the Barker family," said Karen Piel, Marshfield Clinic Development Department's planned giving officer. "We're glad to provide a good home for this work."
The Barker family knew Hokanson and would gather truckloads of driftwood and rocks for her to paint.
"Lucia's artistic eye would bring the rocks and driftwood to life," said BJ Barker.
For more information, contact the Marshfield Clinic Development Department, 715-389-3868.
The Marshfield Clinic system provides patient care, research and education in more than 50 locations in northern, central and western Wisconsin, making it one of the largest comprehensive medical systems in the United States.
