The healing power of art
The next time you walk in LMH Health’s West Campus on Rock Chalk Drive in Lawrence, take a moment to soak in the healing power of art.
Works from local artist Celia Smith
“When we were preparing to open the West Campus in 2020, we wanted to feature the work of local artists,” said Darren Moore, Digital Content and Brand Manager for LMH Health. “The art installation on the first and second floors led to very positive comments from the patients, staff and community members. We realized we were onto something and began to feature local art work there and on our Main Campus at 325 Maine.”
The Lawrence Arts Center had already proven itself to be the perfect partner as its staff worked to identify the artists whose work is part of the permanent exhibit at the West Campus. Next came the perfect funding opportunity, thanks to a grant from the Kansas Creative Arts Commission that supports the installation of new local art exhibits quarterly at both LMH campuses, resulting in the Healing Arts Collaborative.
The exhibition emphasizes healing, wellness and increased engagement among patients, families, staff and the community by placing art throughout LMH facilities. It gives patrons the opportunity to escape from the reality of being in a hospital.
“Art can be a great vehicle for people to express themselves,” Moore said. “It can also help people recover from certain illnesses, such as a stroke. It can help patients by building their communication and motor skills.”
Call for entries
The Healing Arts Collaborative has been in place at both the Main and West Campuses since August 2023. The Lawrence Arts Center selects and works with local artists to cultivate artwork for the exhibitions, which rotate four times each year. The fourth exhibition – a juried group exhibition – is set to be installed in June.
Together with the Lawrence Arts Center, LMH Health is seeking artists who have used art and creativity to support their healing journey. This unique exhibition opportunity will bridge art with personal storytelling.
“The story isn’t about artists,” said Moore. “The story is about the restorative nature of art and the people who found solace in either a new or familiar medium.”
The selected artwork will be introduced to the public at a reception and awards presentation at LMH Health on June 7.
“We are grateful to the Lawrence Arts Center for this partnership and elevating these stories,” said Mimi Meredith, Director of Communications, Marketing and Community Engagement for LMH Health. “The opportunity to share the art that supported an individual’s road to healing is the perfect fit. Having the exhibit on our campuses means patients, their families and the communities have a chance to engage in this experience and find their own sense of healing and wellness, whether that is through finding their own artistic expression, or just lingering in the healing power of another’s story expressed in art.”
