Kay McHenry is notorious for bringing a portable sewing machine or sewing kit wherever she goes. 

Whether on a 30-minute lunch break or at a bluegrass festival, McHenry will break out her sewing kit to make clutch bags, pillowcases and ornaments. 

“It’s a labor of love,” said McHenry, director of annual giving services for Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs. “I find sewing to be very therapeutic, but what I love most about it is sharing my creations with the world.” 

McHenry will share her “labor of love” with the Duke community during the Holiday Invitational Art Show & Sale, which runs Nov. 12, 2018 to Jan. 9, 2019 at Duke University Hospital’s main concourse. 

Arts & Health at Duke curated the show featuring 21 North Carolina artists, including five who work at Duke. Employees, patients and members of the public can purchase jewelry, pottery, paintings, ornaments and other works. There will also be live music, including a handbell choir, on select Wednesdays in November and December. 

“We hope that exhibit is a welcome distraction and helps those who cannot leave the hospital celebrate the season,” said Jennifer Collins-Mancour, visual arts program coordinator for Arts & Health at Duke. “It’s an opportunity to share hidden talents of the people we work with and support them in finding a creative outlet and expression.” 

Marek Kasprisin’s hidden talent is making jewelry. The IT analyst for the Fuqua School of Business began making jewelry about three years ago to gift to his two daughters. He now runs an Etsy shop, “Elementsofwireshop,” selling wire-framed jewelry in the shape of states, lakes and countries.   

Kasprisin made silver necklaces featuring the outline of North Carolina for the Holiday Invitational Art Show & Sale. 

“This show is a cool way to share your talent with the community,” he said. “I hope it can bring someone some happiness this season.” 

Duke employees who submitted art in the show: 

• Marek Kasprisn, IT analyst for the Fuqua School of Business
• Kay McHenry, director of annual giving services for Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs
• Nancy Morgans, assistant to the director of graduate studies for Duke’s Program in Literature 
• Ali Saren, education and training coordinator for Duke Office of Clinical Research
• Jamie Tatum, surgical technologist for Duke Health 

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