From The Gallery at Flat Rock:
Pardee Hospital Collaborates with The Gallery at Flat Rock on Permanent Collection
Acknowledging the powerful effect environmental aesthetics have on the healing process, architects and interior designers are bringing a fresh new look to hospitals and other medical treatment facilities. Soft colors, comfortable furniture, natural light and materials, and patient- friendly design all play a part. The significance of artwork, in particular, has gone beyond the merely decorative. Studies have shown a direct link between the content of images and a patient’s reaction to pain, stress and anxiety.
With that in mind, the designers of Pardee Hospital’s new cancer treatment center in Hendersonville reached out to The Gallery at Flat Rock to assist with the selection of artwork for its permanent collection. Debra Dailey, of DP3 Architects Interior Design Studio, and project manager Craig Franks worked closely with gallery owner Suzanne Camarata Ball and gallery consultant Tom Madison to assemble over 60 original works of art, representing the creative efforts of 10 regional artists.
Early in the project, it was determined the predominant theme of the collection would depict various interpretations of the region’s natural landscape. A recent Wall Street Journal article cited research suggesting patients are positively affected by nature themes. The study found that patients exposed to images of nature experienced less post-treatment anxiety. And the art provides an opportunity for patients to reflect on the wide-ranging interpretations of the area’s mountains, flora, forests and waterfalls; all of which are uniquely represented here in painting, pastel, photography, textured wood and sculpture. Although thematically consistent, the collection is as diverse in style as it is in materials, with works varying from the highly representational to the boldly abstract.
Represented in the collection are artists Suzanne Camarata Ball, Michael Bauermeister, Kelly Chelena, Carol Beth Icard, Tim Jones, Keith Spencer, Stephen St. Claire, Kate Thayer, Matt Tommey and Cynthia Wilson.
Showcased in the new state-of-the-art facility, adjacent to Pardee Hospital at 805 6th Avenue West in Hendersonville, the collection will be on view during an open house celebration Tuesday, November 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., immediately following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. A special exhibit of artists represented in the Pardee Cancer Center collection will take place at The Gallery at Flat Rock in February of next year.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.