A hospital is a place that can bring fear, frustration, and little hope to many people. The stay for patients, whether short or long, can be unbearable for some and intolerable for others.

The University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor is making an effort to change the stereotypical perception of its environment.

The program is called Gifts of Art. It was created to bring music and artwork into the hospital, in order to bring comfort and peace to its visitors. Some of the best regional artists display their work for weeks at a time, for thousands of people to enjoy.

The portraits on display from now until April 14 are courtesy of a Michigan aluma and a football mother. Susie McColgan graduated from Michigan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1981 and her son, John, plays fullback for the Michigan football team.

Susie has been an artist her entire life, but her latest work is definitely near and dear to her heart. In January when Michigan beat Florida in the Capital One Bowl, Susie captured the moments in her mind.

Leaving the stadium, Susie realized that these memories needed to be remembered forever and that is when she started to paint.

Susie says, "I really wanted to capture all their hard work and their strength and give something back to them because they work so hard."

Susie studied photographs and other research materials in order to capture every line, twinkle, and expression with the stroke of a paintbrush. She spent many long hours and days painting the portraits of Mike Hart, Chad Henne, Jake Long, Desmond Howard, Tom Brady, Charles Woodson, and Lloyd Carr.

"Each one is a little different, some go really fast, some take a little bit longer, each one has it's own journey."

In the end, the journey was worth it. The bigger than life portraits of these men will enhance any Michigan Football fan's collection of maize and blue memorabilia.

For more information on Susie McColgan's creations, you can contact her at susie@susiemcColgan.com or visit her website at www.susiemcColgan.com.