Healthcare facilities are recognizing the importance of art.

There is a new design trend for hospitals, clinics, and treatments centers. The importance of art is becoming more and more valued. We are no longer seeing barren walls along cold harsh hallways. Many new facilities are being designed with the patient’s comfort in mind.

This includes creating a inviting atmosphere that puts the patient and their family at ease.

The incorporation of quality, custom artwork that is unique to the space and the region is something that The Whitfield Healthcare Foundation found to be vital when they opened The Peeples Cancer Institute in Dalton, GA.

They chose to partner with The Dalton Creative Arts Guild to put together a collection of incredible works by local and regional artists to fill their space

I was honored to be one of 17 artists chosen by The Guild to provide pieces for the new hospital.

Six of my original paintings featuring calming nature scenes are now part of the permanent collection at the hospital.

Studies have shown that the availability of original art helps to decrease patient use of pain medications, increase compliance with treatments and measurably reduce patient and caregiver stress. As an artist this is an incredible power to hold. I have worked with many healthcare facilities through the years and it’s truly a gift to be able to make even a small difference during a difficult time.

According to Dr. Mitchell Berger, Hamilton Medical Center oncologist, a cancer diagnosis can cause patients to feel that their health is out of their control.

“Incorporating the arts into patient care provides therapeutic and healing benefits, and reduces stress and anxiety,” he said. “The arts become a refuge from the intense emotions associated with illness.”

When you walk into the main lobby at The Peeples Cancer Institute, you feel more like you are entering a 5 star hotel. It immediately sends the message to the patient that this is a place where they matter.

I want to extend my appreciation to the Creative Arts Guild for including me in this outstanding body of work and to the many sponsors who made this collection possible! It was an honor to create these special works!

Do you know someone who is designing a space to heal? Please share this below!