'Our Lady' finds home at hospital
Artist gives painting as a gift to Gallup

Artist Richard Maldonado talks to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital staff Tuesday about what inspired him to hang his painting "Our Lady of Guadalupe" in the hospital. Maldonado dedicated the piece to the people of Gallup and thought the hospital was an excellent place to display it. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

By Pamela G. Dempsey
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Richard Maldonado's painting has finally found a home.

Originally lent to Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital in 2001 for a year, Maldonado dedicated his oil painting, "Our Lady of Guadalupe" in 2005 to the people of Gallup.

The hospital gave it a permanent place to be displayed.

Elaine Bobo, spokesperson for RMCH, said the location was ideal the painting hangs outside the surgical ward.

"Hopefully, this will be a comfort and a little bit of inspiration," Bobo said.

Maldonado said he had a friend draw the image, which took about an hour, but it took six months for Maldonado to paint it.

"I've come close several times to kicking the bucket, so I've called on this lady to pull me through," he said.

Maldonado loaned the painting to RMCH soon after he completed it, and replaced it with a smaller, water color version after he took it back home.

Once he decided to give it to the people of Gallup, he needed to find a permanent place for it.

"The hospital is going to house her, but she belongs to the town," Maldonado said.

Maldonado said he'd never worked with oil in his life, and didn't want to sell his first piece, despite offers.

"She's right where she's needed," he said.