Fused with Love, Glass Hearts Support Spiritual Care Fund
From left to right: Rev. Laura Hoffman, spiritual care manager, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena; Liz Larsen, volunteer coordinator, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena; Ann Diamond, fund development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation; Peggy and Augie Matuzak, artists.
MyMichigan Health Foundation was recently honored to receive a gift of talent and kindness from artist Peggy Matuzak who donated beautiful pocket sized fused-glass hearts to support the Spiritual Care Fund at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. The unique glass hearts represent the creativity and artistry of Peggy and generosity of both Peggy and her husband, Augie.
Ann Diamond, development director at MyMichigan Health Foundation said, “When Peggy brought this idea to us, we were absolutely thrilled. It’s so personal to donate artwork that you’ve created with your own hands. We are so grateful to be able to offer these soothing, inspirational hearts for sale at the Medical Center’s Gift Corner.”
The hearts are one of Matuzak’s many pieces of fused glass art and are representative of the love and support patients and families need during times of illness and crisis. The multicolor hearts are for sale at the Gift Corner in the Medical Center and proceeds from the sales will support the Spiritual Care Program for Alpena.
Peggy said of her decision to make the donation, “Both Augie and I were so happy to be able to partner with MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena to support their Spiritual Care Program. I had this idea to donate some of my glass work and when Ann suggested the Spiritual Care Fund and explained everything the program does for the patients, it seemed like a natural fit for both of us and specifically for my glass hearts.”
A fused-glass heart now for sale at the Gift Corner inside MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena; all profits support the Spiritual Care Fund.
The Spiritual Care Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena plays a vital role in ensuring the wellbeing of the Medical Center’s patients and their loved ones and is led by Rev. Laura Hoffman. Using a nondenominational approach, Hoffman provides patients and families access to spiritual care through counseling and prayer. In her role she guides and facilitates hospital access for patient’s ministers, priests or rabbis for specific religious support or services such as last rites. She also oversees the upkeep of the chapel, which is open to all for quiet reflection, meditation and prayer. The chapel also is also available to be used as a private space for consultations between patients, families and clergy.
Hoffman shared the following, “Thank you to anyone who considers purchasing a fused glass heart in support of our Spiritual Care program. Your generosity is a blessing to all of the patients and families seeking care during times of crisis. Your support helps provide a light of hope in a time of darkness. My deepest thanks to Peggy for this wonderful gift.”
The Matuzaks spend their winters in Arizona, creating their unique and vibrant fused-glass artwork. They then return to Michigan in the spring, bringing along their many creations which they then sell at galleries and art shows throughout the summer. Peggy works with traditional styles and forms using intricate detail and precision in her work. Augie works with special kiln-fired glass and finds that amore random, free-flowing style suits his work best. Their pieces include tapestry like display pieces, jewelry, usable flat wear and other one-of-a-kind artworks.
Augie and Peggy Matuzak’s work can be found on Facebook at 45th Parallel Glass or they can be found in person this summer at Petosky Art in the Park or Grand Lake Association Art Shows. Those interested in more information on the Spiritual Care Fund may contact Diamond at ann.diamond@mymichigan.org or (989) 356-7738.
