Health Aware: Healing Arts program at Edward Hospital

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Harpist Laura Utley performs in the lobby of Edward Heart Hospital as part of Edward’s Healing Arts program. | Courtesy of Edward Hospital

Updated: March 23, 2012 8:07AM

Walk through the patient areas at Edward Hospital and you’ll come across art displays that go well beyond the typical institutional prints chosen to coordinate with the furniture. Instead, Edward features rotating exhibits of some of the best paintings and photographs by local artists. These displays, which have featured hundreds of artists during the past 10 years, are due in large part to the efforts of Candace Olander, who spearheads the hospital’s Healing Arts program and screens the art.

“Art can be a meaningful part of a patient’s experience,” Olander says. “So we’re always looking for interesting art that jumps out at you. Otherwise it’s wallpaper. Of course, it also needs to be appropriate to the hospital culture. The program is a win for local artists, too, because it gives them a showcase for their work.”

The Healing Arts program also features at least three different professional musicians or groups each week playing music to relax and touch the hearts of patients, visitors and staff alike. The performances alternate between the halls of the Heart Hospital, Same Day Surgery, the Cancer Center and the hospital lobbies.

Olander says the musicians frequently hear from patients about the effects of their performances. And, the musicians are moved, too.

“Harpist Laura Utley has said she’s a better musician for having played here, because she can immediately sense the emotional impact on the patients,” Olander says.

If all this art inspires patients and visitors to seek beauty on a more personal level, a visit to the salon on the ground floor of the Heart Hospital may be in order. Shampoo, styling and haircuts for men and women are available, as well as permanents and facial waxing.

“Patients always say it’s a boost to their spirits to have their hair done,” salon stylist LuAnn Klacza says. “Some of them ask to be transported to the salon if they’re about to be transferred to a rehab or other longer term facility. Others want to have the gel washed out of their hair after they’ve had an EEG or other test.”

Other healing “artists” might not paint or play an instrument, but they know how to bring comfort and a smile to patients. The 95 specially trained dogs in the Edward Animal-Assisted Therapy program and their handlers meet with patients who’ve requested a visit.

Health Aware is courtesy of Edward Hospital