Relief for patients and their families
Leslie Landsman has gathered artworks to fill Baltimore’s new Ronald McDonald House when it opens in May
When the doors to Baltimore’s new Ronald McDonald house open in May, its walls will literally be filled with love.
Since June, Columbia resident Leslie Landsman has been collecting art for “All You Need is Love,” a display that is meant to bring a sense of happiness and love to the families staying at the home so they can be close to a hospitalized child.
“I wanted something that would give people staying here a little bit of relief,” said Landsman, who volunteers with Ronald McDonald House. “To think about something other than the challenges they’re facing; something bright, colorful and happy.”
Located at sites around the world, Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place to stay for families with children needing critical medical care at either no cost or for a minimal donation.
Currently located on West Lexington Street, the Baltimore site has served more than 40,000 families from all over Maryland and the country since it opened in1982.
A new facility at 1 Aisquith St. will more than double its occupancy, offering 99 guest rooms, gathering spaces, a meditation room, a teen room, classroom space, laundry facilities, a gym and numerous other facilities and services.
“We’ve been working on this for seven years,” said Sandy Pagnotti, president of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Maryland.
“Every time when i walk in, I can’t believe we are really doing this. It’s amazing.”
Most importantly, Pagnotti wants the new building to feel like a home.
“There are the bricks and mortar…but what are the things that will make this warm, loving and full of life?” Pagnotti said.
“I really believe the house should be filled with beautiful and loving art.”
Landsman was the first person to come to mind for the project, Pagnotti said.
A volunteer at the Baltimore House since her 2016 retirement from the National Aquarium, Landsman was the organizer behind Baltimore’s popular “Fish Out of Water” public art display in 2001.
“She took it over and reached out to artists all over the region,” Pagnotti said.
“We were blown away by the response.”
A total of 140 artists from all around Maryland and 11 states, including Texas and Hawaii, were selected to be part of the “All You Need is Love” exhibit. Featuring various mediums including photography, watercolors, oil paintings, quilts, collages and quilling (a paper art) all of the pieces were donated with many artists donating multiple works for the collection.
“What’s been really special are the reasons why the artists sent pieces,” Pagnotti said. “A lot of them had personal connections.”
Jay Moore, a photographer based in Columbia, immediately thought of his Canadian Rocky photographs when he saw the request for art for the new facility.
“I go to these places to relax and heal See ART, page 5
Since June, Columbia resident Leslie Landsman has been collecting art for “All You Need is Love,” a display that is meant to bring a sense of happiness and love to the families staying at the home so they can be close to a hospitalized child.
“I wanted something that would give people staying here a little bit of relief,” said Landsman, who volunteers with Ronald McDonald House. “To think about something other than the challenges they’re facing; something bright, colorful and happy.”
Located at sites around the world, Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place to stay for families with children needing critical medical care at either no cost or for a minimal donation.
Currently located on West Lexington Street, the Baltimore site has served more than 40,000 families from all over Maryland and the country since it opened in1982.
A new facility at 1 Aisquith St. will more than double its occupancy, offering 99 guest rooms, gathering spaces, a meditation room, a teen room, classroom space, laundry facilities, a gym and numerous other facilities and services.
“We’ve been working on this for seven years,” said Sandy Pagnotti, president of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Maryland.
“Every time when i walk in, I can’t believe we are really doing this. It’s amazing.”
Most importantly, Pagnotti wants the new building to feel like a home.
“There are the bricks and mortar…but what are the things that will make this warm, loving and full of life?” Pagnotti said.
“I really believe the house should be filled with beautiful and loving art.”
Landsman was the first person to come to mind for the project, Pagnotti said.
A volunteer at the Baltimore House since her 2016 retirement from the National Aquarium, Landsman was the organizer behind Baltimore’s popular “Fish Out of Water” public art display in 2001.
“She took it over and reached out to artists all over the region,” Pagnotti said.
“We were blown away by the response.”
A total of 140 artists from all around Maryland and 11 states, including Texas and Hawaii, were selected to be part of the “All You Need is Love” exhibit. Featuring various mediums including photography, watercolors, oil paintings, quilts, collages and quilling (a paper art) all of the pieces were donated with many artists donating multiple works for the collection.
“What’s been really special are the reasons why the artists sent pieces,” Pagnotti said. “A lot of them had personal connections.”
Jay Moore, a photographer based in Columbia, immediately thought of his Canadian Rocky photographs when he saw the request for art for the new facility.
“I go to these places to relax and heal See ART, page 5
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