The public is invited to a free exhibit and sale of original works of art created by patients, former patients and well-established artists from the community during the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific’s 10th annual “Art from the Heart” fundraiser on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m.

More than 500 masterpieces will be displayed throughout the hospital’s first floor and lanai during the annual event that supports the Louis Vuitton Creative Arts Program. This is the second year that REHAB will include work from artists in the community that have supported the mission and work of REHAB throughout the years, such as Mark Brown, Tanya D’Avanzo, Jodi Endicott, Deborah Nehmad, Bailey Leong, Mari Sakamoto, Atsumi Yamamoto, Jane Houk, Ed Furuiki and Joseph Hau`oli Dowson.

“The art program inspires the patient’s physical and emotional healing through a creative outlet, allowing individuals with disabilities to flourish by discovering or refining their given talents, said REHAB Foundation President Ko Miyataki. “This is a celebration of the artists’ abilities not disabilities.”

Classes are held throughout the week from 1 to 4 p.m., and are free to patients and former patients. More than 700 people have participated in nearly 70,000 artist sessions since the program began in 1994. The “Art from the Heart” sale helps offset the costs associated with the program, including professional art instructors, canvas, paints, brushes and other supplies. Artwork ranges in price from $20 to $2,500 for each unique piece.

Guests to the event will also be able to view and purchase a wide range of Ikebana displays, donated by Ohara School of Ikebana. Sensei Elaine Arita works with her students to provide floral arrangements weekly for the Louis Vuitton Art Gallery and will have pieces for sale along with the works of art on Wednesday.

Entertainment will be provided by REHAB Hospital Board Member Ron Ho, Ohara School of Ikebana’s Ethel Iwasaki and Larry Fukunaga.

Call the REHAB Foundation at 566-3451 for more information.

REHAB is the only acute care medical rehabilitation organization serving both Hawaii and the Pacific, serving nearly 7,500 patients each year. Since 1953, REHAB has been dedicated to providing rehabilitation for individuals as they recover from strokes, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injuries, sports injuries and complex surgeries. REHAB has three outpatient clinics that provide an array of rehabilitation services that include physical, occupational and speech therapy.