Using Art to help patients heal
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How do you choose artwork for a hospital being built around principles of evidence-based design of healing environments? By following principles of
evidence-based art selection, not only for the art that will hang on the walls of patient rooms but for the sculptures, paintings, photography,
textiles and other artwork that will appear throughout the medical center buildings and grounds.
Research confirms that art in hospitals and clinics does more than merely decorate the walls; well-chosen art actually helps people feel better and heal more quickly. Sacred Heart is working with the country’s leading arts consultant for hospitals, Kathy Hathorn of American Art Resources, to choose artwork by leading contemporary American artists, including many from Lane County and throughout the Northwest. Commissioned works include a whimsical, larger-than-life sculpture in the front meadow, carved and colored glass panels for the chapel, handcrafted iron and bronze stair rails in the atrium and the Oregon Heart & Vascular Institute, and bas-relief limestone carvings outside the clock tower. Click to read more about art at Sacred Heart and evidence-based art Gallery of works in progress for Sacred Heart Current Research in Evidence-Based Art Programs (PDF file) The Art-Cart Program: A Pebble Project report (PDF file) Results of art surveys at Sacred Heart Sacred Heart is also a leader in the use of music in health care. Click for information about
Strings of Compassion, which brings professionally trained Music-Thanatologists to the bedsides of dying patients to assist their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
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Artist Warren Carther at work in his studio |
