The Healing Power of Art

There is a growing belief in the healing power of art, with major health care institutions across the country recognizing the power of the arts, in all their modalities, to provide messages promoting healing and a sense of community. The therapeutic effects can range from lowering stress levels, to faster recovery times, reduced need for pain medications, and increase social interactions.

 The inception of the Art Committee at Estes Park Medical Center was the result of an interest to create an environment that is welcoming and therapeutic for patients, their families and the staff that care for them. Their goal is to enhance the hospital environment because evidence shows a direct correlation between patients’ recovery and their environment. While art is not central to the function of a hospital, there are many benefits that art can bring to the healthcare environment. Like architecture and interior design, the artwork that we have around us can significantly influence the way we feel on a day to day basis. 

EPMC Carol Indermuehle and James Nelson manage the committee; the team having a wide variety of knowledge and experience in the artistic community. Ultimately, the goal of the Art Committee is to:

• Humanize the medical center by creating an environment that is non-threatening and welcoming.

• Use art to express health and social well-being.
• Change people's perceptions of our medical center for the better.
• Make the medical center less daunting for its users.
• Raise staff morale by making their environment less 'clinical'.
• Improve the public’s perception of our organization.
• Engage people in the community to create art for the medical center and increase their awareness of its therapeutic impact. 

One of the committee’s first goals was to create a public gallery along the mezzanine level of the new Family Medical Clinic addition in April 2007. Paintings, photographs and fabric art from local area artists are displayed along the walls and three-dimensional art, such as pottery and jewelry are highlighted in a glass display case at the top of the stairs near the new elevator. 

In April 2007, the Art Committee strongly felt the first invitation to display in this new area should go out to hospital employees, as their involvement and participation is critical to the success of the opening of the new clinic area. In June 2007, a general call was placed to the art communities within Larimer and Boulder Counties for artists wishing to exhibit in the gallery for a six-week period. 

In addition to the public gallery, the Art Committee works with Department Leaders to acquire and display art throughout the many business offices, waiting areas and exam rooms in both the new and existing areas of the Medical Center. 

If you are a local artist interested in having your work exhibited at Estes Park Medical Center, please download and print the two PDF documents attached to this page. One is the Art Committee’s guidelines for displaying art at EPMC and the other is the application form, which you must submit to the Art Committee along with examples of your work. 

Project Art is just that—an ongoing effort which will enhance our facility’s beauty and affect all who view our artwork, with a sense of calm, healing and well-being. 

Questions about Project Art? 

 Please send an email to: ProjectArt@epmedcenter.com