Aboriginal artists contribute to new hospital

Visitors and patients to the newly-opened 128-bed Lois Hole Hospital for Women in Edmonton immediately notice the healing atmosphere created by soothing colours and peaceful art work hanging on the walls.

“I was hired to place artwork throughout the facility. It was not without its stress, but it was a great experience,” said Susan Pointe, an independent art consultant who assisted in the selection of the original works by Western Canadian artists. She had to keep in mind several potential categories of viewers, from patients, to staff, to visitors.

The new facility is in the Royal Alexandra Hospital campus on five floors of the Robbins Pavilion.

“It was designed by an Edmonton-based architectural firm, Cohos Evamy, and artwork was integrated into the project right from the beginning. The interior designer already had walls saved and purposefully designed to hold art work,” said Pointe.

The pieces will be included in examination rooms, nursing stations, patient-monitoring areas and care units. The art work provides a warm atmosphere and a definite contrast to the usual sterile and confusing anguish and pain that’s expected in most active care hospitals.

Alongside the art work is a clever and calming use of natural light that’s obvious throughout the 33,000-square metre facility as well as a healing garden that will eventually open on the rooftop. Outside the entrance are two sculptural installations and inside, the entryways are adorned with graceful and colourful tall vases of bright artificial flowers. With 24,000 patients per year anticipated, the comfortable setting will be appreciated.

Works from 65 artists were purchased with 24 being from First Nations heritage. Sharon Rose Kootenay, a local master bead worker also well-known as a curator of First Nations work, assisted in the selection process. Pointe was aware of Kootenay’s expertise as a result of a recent exhibition entitled Nemama, which refers to the ‘wisdom of our grandmothers’ hands creating a beautiful legacy for our children.”

“I proposed to the hospital that we envision a similar project,” said Pointe. In all, 75 pieces of some of the best beadwork, birch bark biting and leatherwork were acquired from the area’s craftspeople.

“Artists were chosen from the areas in which patients are typically from, including northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba as well as Northwest Territories. For example, six are from Holman Island, which is in the extreme north, featuring Inuit artists,” said Pointe.
 “We looked for elements of whimsy, surprise and humour as well,” said Pointe.

Oils and acrylic painting, watercolours, pastels, textiles, photography, and sculpture were media included for display.

Pointe encourages everyone to visit the facility and see for themselves the exceptional art work.

“The images are calming to the spirit and beautiful for all to see and our First Nations artists have played a big part in creating a healing atmosphere,” she concluded.