45-year-old Jack Goodwin sells his original Cree artwork during a two-day art sale in the lobby of Providence Care Hospital to dozens of people who line up and wait their turn to purchase something.  

“It feels great and awesome to be able to sell my art. I’m very grateful, very appreciative,” says Jack. 

Jack is from Kashechewan, a Cree First Nation community in Northern Ontario near James Bay and is receiving rehabilitation at Providence Care Hospital after a double leg amputation, above the knee, that took place in the summer of 2024.  

“I had a heart attack,” explains Jack. “During the operation for my heart, something went wrong and it cost me both my legs.”   

Throughout his hospital stay Jack has found hope and inspiration in creating artwork that reminds him of home. Providence Care Spiritual Health Associate Shelley Kirby encouraged Jack to create an art sale as a therapy goal. Through Jack’s hard work and the support of Providence Care staff in the Spiritual Health Department and Providence Care’s Indigenous Transition Facilitator Josee Sunday, Jack was able to sell more than 300 pieces of art and take preorders for his next sale; the Holiday Market at Providence Care Hospital on Nov. 22, 2024.  

“I’m overwhelmed by the support and honoured to be a part of this community,” says Shelley. “Jack arrived here in the midst of life changing circumstances, but through his own strengths he created a situation that has allowed him to flourish, achieving monumental goals even before he returns home. When I saw all these people lining up to support Jack, the nurses and PSWS [Personal Support Workers] from his floor, the Environmental Services staff, the Administration, other patients, it just reminded me that we’re all here to honour the best in each other.”

Jack is unable to return to his career as a security guard but is hopeful he can start to make a living as an artist when he does return home. He says having the opportunity to sell his work at Providence Care and see the enthusiasm of the buyers makes him excited for the future.  

“This makes me want to draw more,” he says with a smile. 

Jack sold prints of 30 different, original, black and white pieces. Framed prints were $20 and frameless prints were $10.  

“I like to combine animals into other pictures,” explains Jack. “Loons, eagles, bears, faces, water. I’m inspired by other Cree art, my mentors, my home and my family.” 

The funding for the sale came through the Indigenous Transition Facilitator program and Josee echo’s Shelley, saying it’s incredible to see Jack supported in his recovery and encouraged toward a new career path for the future. 

“Jack was the main provider for his home and in Indigenous households being an artist is a very traditional means of income,” explains Josee. “I think it’s a really incredible thing we’re able to support him with. Not everyone has this kind of support where they can really put themselves out there and be vulnerable with what they’re envisioning and bringing to the world. I think the support we’ve seen from Providence Care is a testament to the program, Jack as an individual and the people who seen themselves in Jack,” she adds.  

“It took so many different teams throughout Providence Care to make this happen,” says Shelley. “From the nurses who worked hard to make sure Jack was up and ready on time, to Josee who worked hard to get the funding, to the communications department for spreading the word about his work and giving him a platform, to Occupational and Physiotherapy’s expertise. Jack’s art is an expression of his personhood. Seeing staff work together to celebrate and empower Jack demonstrates the very heartbeat of PCH.” 

 Jack will now be busy working and creating for his next big art sale at the Holiday Market at Providence Care Hospital on Nov. 22, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Art is not only Jack’s passion but is what is helping him stay positive and hopeful.  

“Making art takes away my stress and makes me feel good,” says Jack.  

As the last day of the sale drew to a close, Jack watched with pride, his family by his side, as people from all walks of life continued to gather around his artwork. Each piece purchased represents a part of his journey—his resilience, his connection to his heritage and the new purpose he’s discovered.   

Join Jack on Nov. 22 at the Holiday Market to see his incredible journey for yourself.