In a ceremony on Friday officials with McLeod Hospital dedicated a street on its campus to renowned artist William H. Johnson.
Johnson, a Florence native, was born in 1901, on the very block of the dedication ceremony. In a press release, hospital officials say Johnson is “considered by academics to be one of the top ten most important American Artists of the 20th Century.”
The new road will serve as a connector between East Cheves and Palmetto Streets.
“It is a privilege to honor the work and legacy of William Henry Johnson in this manner. His life and talents began on this very campus, more than a century ago,” stated Rob Colones, President of McLeod Health.
Ben Zeigler, who serves on the McLeod Health Board of Trustees spoke at the dedication ceremony on the impotence of art and its healing powers. “Medicine seeks to restore and invigorate the body and art seeks to restore and invigorate the soul.” Said Zeigler. “It is appropriate that we celebrate them both today as we dedicate a road that connects two thoroughfares that define our medical campus here at McLeod, and that also connect our community from east to west.”
The McLeod Medical Plaza Conference Center houses 12 important reproductions of Johnson’s artworks on permanent display, with permission from both e Smithsonian Museum and the Florence County Museum.