University Health seeks local artists
Local artists have an opportunity to be a part of the new University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital through the SaludArte Open Call.
There is much research showing the benefits of art in a healing environment, and this program might even be more important for this hospital. Going to a hospital is scary – and that is especially true for children or women facing a complicated delivery or procedure. The University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital will have original art in every patient room and every procedure room to help patients engage with beauty. People waiting for procedures, families with a baby in the NICU for months at a time – they’ll have art to accompany them that will be peaceful, with soft colors. This is good medicine and critical to creating a warm, welcoming and healing environment.
The SaludArte program has artists from around the world, but University Health especially wants to extend this opportunity to local artists to support healing in their own community.
Artists have a chance to learn how to participate at an open house this Friday and Saturday at University Hospital.
One such artist is Kaldric Dow, who hopes his painting, “Motherhood,” will inspire strength in patients and their families.
“I am honored to have this piece chosen for inclusion within the SaludArte program for the Women’s & Children’s Hospital because it is my sincere hope that ‘Motherhood’ will inspire strength in patients and their families during their healing journey,” Dow said. “I’m proud to contribute to the program that is helping create a beautiful and calming health care environment for staff and visitors alike.”
Dow is available for interviews about his experience working with the SaludArte program.
Artists have a chance to learn how to participate at an open house this Friday and Saturday at University Hospital.
SALUDARTE OPEN HOUSE EVENTS
Artists can join us for the SaludArte Open House at University Hospital located at 4502 Medical Drive:
- Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Attendees will enjoy art tours, light refreshments and free parking. Staff will be available to assist artists with their open call submissions.
ART IN A HEALING ENVIRONMENT
The numerous benefits of having artwork in a healing environment, such as a hospital, have been proven to provide:
- Positive distraction from worry and anxiety
- Faster healing, less medication and shorter hospital stays
- Staff retention
- A welcoming environment
We encourage all creators to join us on this journey. Artists can submit on www.publicartist.org and learn more at info@publicartist.org. To be considered, the application must be completed, including all names and images, by January 15.
ABOUT THE WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
The countdown to our new Women’s & Children’s Hospital is underway! The 14-story, 300-bed facility is on schedule to open next summer. The hospital will serve women, children and families with the highest level of compassionate care as the new home for South Texas’ first Level IV maternity center. An important component of the hospital will be the healing artwork on display in every area of the facility.
