Rural hospital wins state arts award

When the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center in Alamosa built a clinical services addition, they decided to create something that would clearly count as an asset in this small town just north of the New Mexico border. The new space has ample room to serve as a meeting place for community members, with a spacious two-story atrium. Originally designed as a well-lit corridor, the second floor atrium now hosts rotating exhibitions by local and regional artists and has become a reception space for community groups.

“It’s a big idea that has actually been very simple and cost-effective to put into practice,” explains CEO Russ Johnson. Working with a state-wide art consulting company, IAC, the hospital approves a schedule of artists to show every two months. IAC handles all the details related to installation and publicity, and at the end of every show, “I get to choose my favorite piece to keep here!” Johnson laughs. “Anyone who’s building has an art budget. We looked at that money and wondered, can we do better than stock prints?”

That question has led to bigger-than-life results. With the help of IAC, the hospital is developing an impressive permanent collection, with pieces by Coni Grant, Randy Pijoan, Annie Troncoso and others displayed in hallways and waiting areas. Much of the work in public areas is accompanied by individual artist statements – an elegant way to increase accessibility for people who might not otherwise be comfortable with fine art. The hospital also hosts semi-annual receptions to introduce artists to the community, and devotes one wall to quarterly exhibitions of artwork by youth from around the San Luis Valley.

The idea has garnered plenty of attention from the local community. People make a point to visit each new show, which has featured work by artists such as David Montgomery, Jane Jacobs, and Charles Ewing. Kathy Rogers, VP of development, sees it as a service for both patients and the hospital staff. “Attracting and keeping excellent health care providers is a challenge many rural areas face. This program is a point of pride for our physicians and everyone who works here.”

Artists, too, are excited about the program. Rather than expecting donations or free loans, the hospital has taken a positive step to support and acknowledge the value original artists bring. Linda Wooten-Green, a painter in Las Vegas, NM, summed up her experience with SLV Regional Medical Center: “ How fitting it is and healing, that an institution committed to health, healing, wellness and life, affirms so beautifully and overtly quality of life.”

The Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (cbca.org) will be presented the awards in March. Russ Johnson and Katherine Benke of IAC will be present to accept the award for innovation in incorporating fine art into the business environment. “This is one of those easy situations where we did something we believed in, and the investment is paying everyone involved. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

IAC creates art solutions for businesses around the state. Contact Katherine@InsightArtConnection.com for more information.

Last Modified: April 23, 2007