Art and Healing: The VGH art collection

April 21st, 2010

I just returned — totally inspired — from a talk called Art and Healing, put on by the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation Art Committee. Did you know that the corridors, patient rooms, and treatment areas of the hospital buildings are ALIVE with art?  “The hospitals are home to more than 500 vibrant works by renowned Canadian artists such as Jack Shadbolt, Martha Sturdy, Gordon Smith, Sylvia Tait, and Jock Macdonald.”  Visible to patients, their loved ones, staff, and visitors… the art collection and its high visibility helps to foster a more reflective, comforting, and yes a more beautiful space.

I spoke with a member of the art committee, as well as a young woman volunteering with the large task of archiving and cataloging the collection (all of which has been donated by major collectors and generous artists).  They and each of the speakers this evening spoke to the positive response of patients, visitors and staff.

As a former volunteer on the palliative unit, I can speak to how uplifting I found it to have objects of reflection before which to take pause when I felt especially emotional.  Some became like touchstones for me.

The paintings and sculptures help to honour that healing work is taking place on the grounds… and that that the care of the soul is more than only medicine.

Isn’t it wonderful that on the palliative unit, patients have access to an Art Cart program where they can choose art for the walls of their room, with changes possible twice a week.  Many have chosen more than one piece to adorn their walls.  And staff are constantly amazed that the painting chosen by Mr. A last week, was chosen by Mrs. Y the next… despite the two individuals being vastly different personalities. I hope they can expand this program to other areas of the hospital, for instance the rooms of long term care residents and psychiatric patients.

If you would like more information, I encourage you to contact the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation at info@worldclasshealthcare.ca  or 604-875-4676.  Financial gifts to support the program are gladly accepted. Potential donations of works of art should be discussed with the Art Committee, as they have particular needs in particular areas.

In peace,

Celebrant Michele Davidson