April 13, 2021

Local Artist, Cindy Lutz Kornet Installs Art Work at Leavitt Family Jewish Home Inspired by the Love of her Parents “Repair the World”

Cindy Kornet posing by her artwork at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Cindy Kornet's 10 Commandments paintingLONGMEADOW, Mass. – When Covid-19 hit and turned our world upside-down, each of us had to adjust our daily lives to a new reality filled with the unknown. For many it was a year of uncertainty, social distancing and isolation. For Cindy Lutz Kornet, it was a year of immense introspection and creativity. Cindy, author of Art and Soul: a spiritual approach to crafts, is a local multi-media artist whose work explores Jewish values and biblical history, spirituality and inspiration themes. Mixing abstract painting, encaustics (painting with wax and carving into it), collage, and uneven perspectives with realism, she creates art that she describes as “spiritual, uplifting and hopeful.” There is a healing quality to each piece. Her works incorporates written words that provoke thought and inspiration.

During the Covid lock-down Cindy committed herself to creating one new piece of art each day and over the year amassed a beautiful and varied collection of inspirational images. This month Cindy is installing representational pieces of her art in a new gallery located in the connector building that bridges The Leavitt Family Jewish Home with Sosin Center for Rehabilitation, through Michael’s Café.

It is fitting that Cindy’s art is the first installation in this new gallery. Cindy, Lou and Nathaniel Kornet donated the gallery system that has converted this long and brightly lit connector building into a gallery, dedicated in loving memory of her beloved parents, Phyllis (Barr) and Arthur Lutz. When asked what motivated her to embark on her daily ritual of creating the beautiful images, Cindy commented, “My mother was and loved all things beautiful. My father loved my mother and anything she loved. They both loved our family dearly. It really is that simple. I hope this exhibit will be the first of many in the JGS Gallery, that still has an opportunity to be named. If one really looks, one can see the beauty in everything.”

CanCan Dancer painting by Cindy Kornet“For me, Art is Life,” Cindy exclaimed. “I love the way I feel when I am being creative. I love losing track of time and getting lost in the process. No matter what I am feeling, the process brings me to a peaceful place. My son Nathaniel says my unwavering continued effort and output of work is most impressive to him. I just think being creative is intrinsic for me. I love creative problem solving and creating what I need from what I have on hand. God is the creator. We are the co-creators. Creativity is synonymous with Cindy!!”

Cindy has named the exhibit, “Repair the World”. “Tikkun Olam is one of our reasons for being here in this world,” says Cindy. “We have an opportunity to do the mitzvahs or good deeds daily. This has been a difficult time for all. There was much loss and suffering and that cannot be overlooked.  Being home more has also offered its own silver linings. Hopefully, we all are able to search within, evaluate, make healthful decisions, and will emerge better versions of ourselves.”

“Cindy’s work is spiritually elevating, the jewel tones are soothing and create a sense of warmth and calm,” commented Susan Kimball Halpern, director of development and communication at JGS LIfecare. “I am excited about this show and having Cindy’s loving and warm energy in our Home for our residents, staff and visitors to enjoy. This installation is also a sign that we are hopefully turning the corner on Covid and planning for a return to social activities. As more people are vaccinated and restrictions on family visitations and social gathering lift, we look forward to scheduling a gallery opening for the community –  hopefully this summer. In the meantime, we look forward to scheduling artist talks with our residents and staff, to explore the symbolism and meaning one can take away from “Repair the World.”

Cindy summed it up, “Spring is finally here. Spring is a time for growth, exercising outdoors, reconnecting with neighbors, friends, family and repairing the world. With all this in mind, I look forward to a time when we can welcome the community in to see and talk about my exhibit. I hope my work puts a smile on many faces including staff and residents at JGS Lifecare.”

Keep an eye out for our community opening….hopefully coming soon!

*******

About Leavitt Family Jewish Home
The Leavitt Family Jewish Home offers 24/7 long-term skilled nursing care including cognitive and memory impairment care, as well as full service rehabilitation therapies , palliative and hospice care, and certified music therapy.  People of all faiths put their trust in the Leavitt Family Jewish Home.  Resident-focused services are provided in a setting that is as home-like as possible, including 112 private rooms, spacious social areas and inviting dining spaces. Staff prioritizes every resident’s adjustment to illness or injury and design services to meet every resident’s individual needs.  Patients’ families are also part of every comprehensive care plan, receiving support and counseling to make a smooth adjustment to care. For more information, call The Leavitt Family Jewish Home at 413-567-6211 or visit JGSLifecare.org.

About JGS Lifecare
JGS Lifecare, founded in 1912, is a leading health care system serving seniors and their families.  JGS Lifecare services include nursing home care (The Leavitt Family Jewish Home), rehabilitation services (Sosin Center for Rehabilitation), assisted living (Ruth’s House Assisted Living Residence), adult day health care (Wernick Adult Day Health Care), home health, hospice and palliative  care (Spectrum Home Health and Hospice Care) and independent living (Genesis Lifecare). For more information, call JGS Lifecare at 413-567-6211 or visit JGSLifecare.org.