York Hospital Celebrates Art for the Heart in Support of Leading With Heart Cardiac Campaign

February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and encouraging healthy habits to prevent cardiovascular disease. As the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide, this disease remains a critical healthcare concern for the York Hospital community. This February, York Hospital is focused on reaching its fundraising goal of $6.4 million for renovation of the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab, which is scheduled to reopen by the end of the month. As we approach Valentine’s Day Friday, in conjunction with Heart Month and the Leading With Heart Cardiac Campaign, York Hospital’s Art Gallery celebrates Art for the Heart!

Local artist Steve Litwin, partnering with York Hospital, is helping to raise awareness and funds. An installation of Steve’s original paintings kicked off York Hospital’s 2025 exhibition schedule in January, in support of the Hospital’s Leading With Heart Cardiac Campaign. Through the Art for the Heart initiative, a portion of the sale of his paintings, on view in the hospital's café and online art gallery through April, will support the hospital’s Leading With Heart Campaign. In addition, we are pleased to announce that Mr. Litwin will donate an original painting for the new cardiac catheterization lab, hoping to hearten the visits of patients and their families, along with hospital staff.

Steve Litwin has a personal connection to York Hospital and shares a story about how an unexpected and emotional trip to the Emergency Room inspired one of his paintings. “My daughter had just graduated from college and was here in York Harbor with family and friends celebrating for the weekend. Suddenly, in the middle of the party, she fell to the ground and appeared unconscious. We tried calling 9-1-1 but couldn’t get service and literally ran out on to York Street to flag down cars. We were panicked and not having cell service terrified us, but luckily, we got through to an ambulance that took our daughter to York Hospital. As I approached the ER Entrance, I looked up and saw a stand of birch trees – and was struck by how the bark of the trees appeared to be eyes, weeping, to match the emotions I was feeling as I entered to hospital to check on my daughter. I instantly felt a connection and a sense that my daughter was going to be OK, and thankfully the team at York Hospital was able to quickly diagnose and treat her. We count our blessings to this day,” shared Litwin.

An unlikely artist, for many years Litwin was a business owner living, working, and raising a family in New York and New Jersey. Largely self-taught, he began to paint on a family vacation to Maine during the summer of 2019, inspired by the natural beauty of the coastline. Two years later, Steve and wife Barbara became full-time York Harbor empty nesters, with their dog Nellie.

Inspired by Impressionism and folk art, Steve explained that he likes to present a scene that starts a ‘story’ but relies on the viewer to decide on the full meaning of the painting. “I love the idea of appealing to the storyteller in all of us. I usually start with what I hope is an interesting and original composition, one that makes you want to keep looking. Expressing joy and painting things I love - family, nature, a good story - is a huge motivator for me,” added Litwin. While Steve refers to Barbara as his muse, she often wishes she could be ‘in the paintings’ he creates. as she loves and enjoys them so much.

The York Hospital Art Committee annually reviews proposals submitted by local artists, looking for uplifting, inspiring artwork that reflects the hospital’s mission to promote health and wellness. After a thorough review process, the committee selects several finalists to display their artwork in the hospital café and online gallery for the coming year. The second and third artists to display in 2025 will be watercolorist Bruce McMillan (May through August) and photographer Cheryl Keyworth (September through December). Art Committee Chair Cynthia Hosmer commented, “On so many levels this current exhibit literally represents ‘Art for the Heart.’ Steve’s love of blending beautiful colors found in nature with creative compositions, his heart-felt connection to York Hospital, and his desire to help raise funds for the Leading With Heart Cardiac Campaign—all this during Heart Health Month and Valentine’s Day! Heartfelt thanks to YOU for supporting York Hospital, the Leading With Heart Campaign, and our local art community if you can.”

To view the current exhibit in person, visit the York Hospital Café, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. or visit the online art gallery. Visit the Leading With Heart page on our website to learn more about the Cardiac Campaign or to make a gift today.

For more information, please contact the York Hospital Philanthropy Office at 207-351-2385 or philanthropy@yorkhospital.com.