When many people hear the word “hospital” or “doctor’s office,” the first thing they think of is bland, depressing, and institutional.
A growing body of research indicates that visual art in hospitals and medical offices, not only speeds up the healing process, but that gloomy environments can actually cause physical distress. In response, the West Hawaii Community Health Center and Donkey Mill Art Center decided to combine their efforts and take action to create a more healing environment for the new medical center.
“Arts in Medicine” is an international movement that encourages the use of art to enhance lives and impact patient care, hospital environments and other medical settings. By joining forces to host a multimedia juried art exhibition, the two organization have the goal of building a permanent art collection for the new West Hawaii Community Health Center at Kealakehe.
The West Hawaii Community Health Center, just south of Kealakehe High School, recently opened the doors to its new 10,500 square foot facility. Because of the growing demand for health care, the new facility was constructed to increase the center’s capacity to provide patient care and programs to improve health outcomes. The juried art show was the brainchild of West Hawaii Community Health Center CEO Richard Taaffe.
“I met Richard about four months ago,” said Hiroki Morinoue, artistic director of Donkey Mill. “He is very interested in visual arts, and we discovered that we share the same philosophy regarding art — especially it’s role in an institution that is sterile. Buildings can be softened with art and the environment made more humanizing. We are both nonprofit organizations, and we both believe in the importance of visual art. Therefore, we decided that the Donkey Mill will do a juried exhibition at their new space, and the health center has agreed to purchase some of the art work that they feel will fit into their environment.”
The Donkey Mill Art Center issued a call for art, inviting West Hawaii artists to submit up to three art pieces from all disciplines in visual arts including wood, fiber, clay, metal, drawing, painting, prints and photography. The response was to the call was greater than expected, so they opened up to all Big Island artists.
“It was originally just for West Hawaii artists, but there’s been interest elsewhere so we broadened the geographic submissions to all of the Big Island,” said Morinoue. “I have selected two other jurors as well. Peggy Chestnut is one of the jurors. She is an interior designer and works with projects out in Kukio, and other big houses in Kona. We also have Sherman Warner who is part of the state foundation for culture and arts. We are all donating our time — no one is getting paid.”
The show’s theme is “Sense of Place.” It’s meant to provide guidelines and encourage artists to interpret and explore diversity of culture, the importance of the ocean, and the land of Hawaii Island, in its literal or abstract views. The art will be displayed in the waiting rooms and lobbies in both the mauka and makai sections of the health center.
“West Hawaii Community Health Center believes that art can inspire lifelong health and wellness as well as aid in the healing process. Art connects us to our community and we want it to cover our walls,” said Taaffe.
All accepted works will be considered for purchase, especially those that build on the health center’s vision of health, humanity and community well-being for the people of Hawaii.
The entry submission deadline is July 31 with winning notifications on Aug. 3. All works considered for jurying must meet the professional and aesthetic standards of the exhibition committee. A complete set of submission guidelines are available through the Donkey Mill Art Center.
The opening of the Kealakehe center marks the fifth location for the West Hawaii Community Health Center. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Primary health cares for all ages is provided by a family physician, a physician assistant, two board-certified pediatric dentists and one general dentist. The center accepts most private insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Patients who are uninsured pay based on a sliding fee.
The official grand opening for the Kealakehe center is slated Aug. 15. The art exhibition runs through Oct. 15.
For more information on art submissions, contact Donkey Mill Art Center at 322-3362 or donkeymill@gmail.com. To find out more about the new West Hawaii Community Health Center, call 326-3878.