The Hospice of Santa Barbara is hosting a wine and cheese social today to showcase the work of local artist Jan Clouse.

The exhibit is open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Leigh Block room. Titled “Fallen Beauty,” the exhibit focuses on the theme of changing cycles of life to encourage community members to think about overlooked aspects of the world. Additionally, the artwork is designed to comfort visitors to the hospice center.

According to K.C. Murphy-Thompson, development manager at the hospice, the exhibit provides an opportunity for guests to view the unique artwork inside the facility.

“The exhibit encourages people to come to the building and see its unusual and exceptional interior,” Murphy-Thompson said. “Not only is the art beautiful to behold, it is also thought provoking.”

Murphy-Thompson said the exhibit is also a fundraiser for the center.

“Of the proceeds from the art sales, twenty-five percent goes back to the hospice center,” Murphy-Thompson said.

Clouse said her artwork illustrates the beauty associated with all walks of life.

“For me, the work is very personal,” she said. “They are paintings of botanical things that have fallen to the ground. They are a way of sharing the beauty of things in life that have been cast aside or are dead. These things will maintain their shape and color for a long time after they die.”

Clouse said her work complements the center because it draws attention to overlooked aspects of life’s latter years.

“I want people to appreciate the small things in life and my work compliments what hospice does,” Clouse said. “There is an attention to the beauty of the end of life.”

According to Steve Jacobsen, executive director of the hospice, the exhibit has a calming effect on the center’s clients and the community.

“The exhibit gets people out here to understand the work that we do,” Jacobsen said. “We do a lot of work before and after life transitions. Everything we do is free and the art exhibits help get the word out. Jen’s art, in particular, captures things that are past their peak and we can still enjoy these things.”

Jacobsen said the exhibit is also therapeutic for a wide range of people.

“People of all ages can still use art therapy when appropriate,” Jacobsen said. “Part of it is to keep in mind that through art, we can express feelings that words can not.”

Both the exhibit and social are free and open to the public.