THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS – 12/26/2010

SAINT MARY’S HEALTH CARE

Artwork to help healing

   Imagine you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are now preparing for radiation as part of your comprehensive treatment plan. The Lacks Cancer Center at Saint Mary’s understands the anxiety and worry you face as you lie waiting for a simulation test to prepare for treatment.
   “Many patients feel trapped, and while they’re waiting alone, they feel anxious,” said Rosalind Ebrom, co-chair of Art Acquisition and Ambiance.

Easing fears

   To ease this anxiety, Saint Mary’s has enlisted the works of Monte Nagler, a Michigan artist who studies under Ansel Adams, and specializes in art for the health care environment.
   Nagler’s three-panel works are mountes to the ceiling and backlit for visibility for those who are undergoing the simulation process. A different image adorns the ceiling in each of the three simulation rooms in the Radiation Oncology department.

A diversion of sorts

   “These works serve as an escape for patients’ focus, and take them out of their current situation,” said Ebrom, who also collaborates with staff to ensure that the atmosphere of the entire hospital is conductive to healing.
Healing the whole person occurs before medical treatment even begins at Saint Mary’s Health Care.
   Through the Guest Artist Series at Saint Mary’s, the main lobby welcomes patients and families by displaying artwork for an enhanced healing environment. As customers walk in the front doors, they are greeted by 15 to 20 pieces from a single artist.
The Art Acquisition and Ambiance team carefully selects work that promotes a healing environment for the Guest Artist Series.

Looking for artists

   Introduced in 2008, the series invites an artist to exhibit his or her artwork for two montha at the hospital. Many of the artist are from Michigan or have srtrong ties to the region.
   Pamela Alderman is our currentGuest Artist, with the works of Richard Karas to be dispayed in January and February. The displayed artwork is also available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Saint Mary’s Doran Foundation.
   If you are an artist and wish to be considered for the Guest Artist Series, please contact Saint Mary’s Doran Foundation at 616-685-1891

~ Information provided by Saint Mary’s Health Care.