Original Wildlife Artwork Donated to Wellspring Calgary
"The Guardian" enlivens walls while bringing meaning ...

Ole Tenold is one of those enthusiastic people who likes to make things happen. And so it is, that a chance meeting has resulted in a gift of artwork for Wellspring Calgary, the synergy of which creates its own story.

Ole, Debbie and Glenn (Image by Wellspring Staff)

Shortly after Wellspring’s move to Carma House this past summer, Ole toured the facility with a personal friend and volunteer. It was then that he was introduced to Art à la Carte Executive Director, Debbie Baylin. The concept of healing through art intrigued Ole and he immediately began to inquire about the nature of art preferred by patients. Upon hearing that wildlife was the number one request, Ole asked whether or not the Art à la Carte collection contained works by Calgary artist, Glenn Olson. Given Glenn's affinity for wildlife subject matter, Ole felt there might be a match and suggested a three-way meeting. With little more than an initial hello, it was clear that Glenn's artistry was a perfect fit.

Ole very much wanted to contribute to the Art à la Carte bedside collection. But after touring Carma House, it was decided that placing an original piece there would be even more meaningful. Glenn brought an assortment of his work for review by the Wellspring team and “The Guardian” was unanimously selected. It was as if the nesting geese melded into the landscape of the river front property. Positioned strategically against a pale yellow wall in the Great Room, "The Guardian" also serves as a metaphoric representation of Wellspring’s heartfelt mission – to be a place of safety and welcome for all who enter.

We are privileged to serve as stewards for this gesture of extraordinary generosity.