Visual Arts
Artwork by Chris Murray
Artwork has the ability to stimulate imagination and elevate the human spirit. And in a clinical environment, art has undeniable power to promote serenity and encourage healing. That is why UC Davis Health System has commissioned for many years artwork for the public areas of its facilities.
Placement of artwork in waiting rooms, lobbies, corridors and other areas is one expression of our concern for the well-being of patients and their families, as well as other members of the health system community.
Works of art are on display throughout the entire Sacramento campus, at outlying buildings, the Placer Center for Health in Rocklin, and other medical offices throughout the Sacramento and surrounding communities.
Some of the artwork on display at the Sacramento campus is fanciful, abstract or representational, while other material in the collection recognizes and commemorates aspects of the health system itself. A photo essay mounted in our Education Building in Sacramento celebrates the bright, inquisitive, studious faces of UC Davis medical students.
While "Big Heart" is the title of the pictured work by second-year student Ari Zadel, it might also serve as a metaphor for the dedication and energy he and his classmates gave to the In Vivo publication in between the academic demands they faced.
The students themselves publish an arts magazine called In Vivo, which showcases artistic and literary creations by UC Davis medical students, patients, faculty and staff. The magazine’s purpose is to “develop, inspire and nurture the artistic and creative talent within the UC Davis School of Medicine.” The publication, which is dedicated to “a celebration of life,” contains photography, paintings, drawings, poetry and sculpture images. The next edition of In Vivo is scheduled for publication in spring 2009.
“In Vivo strives to provide a glimpse of this rich fabric of our community. Our goal is to honor each other, bring our community together, and celebrate the lives we seek to heal in our professional capacities.”
The five students who comprise In Vivo’s volunteer publication committee ably articulate our belief that art can stimulate the imagination, inspire hope and encourage reflection. They wrote, “We are not just students, doctors, patients or employees. We are each a diverse sum of human experiences. The life within each of us is defined by these experiences, and defines how we choose to view our world.
“In Vivo strives to provide a glimpse of this rich fabric of our community. Our goal is to honor each other, bring our community together, and celebrate the lives we seek to heal in our professional capacities. With this purpose in mind, In Vivo serves to showcase the creativity of students, staff, faculty and patients who make up the health-care community of UC Davis.”
An art collection at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) consists entirely of works produced by artists — both children and adults — who have neurodevelopmental disorders. The art is also featured in the book Art of the M.I.N.D., which is available for sale.
Artwork by Karen Fenley
The health system’s art acquisitions program has operated for the past 20 years under the management of Nancy Gordon, a senior project manager and designer in the Facilities, Design and Construction Department. Nancy, who oversees the acquisitions budget, relies upon the recommendations of Susan Willoughby, an arts advisor who has worked with the health system for two decades. Nancy and Susan are part of an Art Advisory Committee that is chaired by Tamara C. Cole of the health system’s Administrative and Professional Services unit. The committee members meet with artists, commission works, and ascertain that commissioned artworks collectively reflect the rich artistic, cultural and ethnic diversity of our region. The growing collection now encompasses more than 1,900 pieces created by more than 260 artists.
The Art Advisory Committee also works collaboratively with the Davis campus Arts in Public Places Committee. The health system’s acquisitions team is involved in development processes for new buildings, including the new Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion, the main lobby of which will have a large commissioned piece of art on display. Acquisitions are funded annually as part of the health system’s facilities, design and construction budget.