Saint John’s Health Center fuses art and healing in a completely unique way with a new Media Artwall planned for the new state-of-the-art Howard Keck Diagnostic and Treatment Center that is scheduled to open next year. The interactive feature is the first digital art program of its kind and is comprised of 16 50-inch video screens with more than 17 feet of digital display.
 
The Saint John’s Media Artwall will provide an innovative and unusual curatorial framework in which to display local community artwork. Saint John’s Health Center invites members of the community to participate in the third call for submissions from May 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009. Saint John’s is accepting submissions from emerging and established artists from the hospital and local community including children’s artwork.
 
“Art carries a therapeutic message that can greatly enhance the healing environment,” said Marla Koosed, Saint John’s Art Program curator. “Instead of presenting art in a traditional manner, we want to engage visitors in a sensory experience that evokes a soothing, therapeutic setting. Blended with Saint John’s reputation for leading-edge care, the new Center will provide an environment for rest and healing.”
 
This campaign is the third call for submissions. More than 250 pieces were submitted for the inaugural exhibit, scheduled for 12 weeks during late summer/early fall of 2009. The third exhibit will run in the winter of 2009.  
 
Artists may wish to consider how they would incorporate or modify existing work, or create new work to best engage viewers in this experience. Being Green and sustainability is the theme for this third show. We are looking for work that is made entirely from recycled items or work that speaks to this subject. Accepted mediums include painting, drawing, photography, video and mixed media (including metal, sculpture, textile and collage). Children’s artwork also is acceptable.
 
“Ongoing exhibitions of selected artwork will rotate throughout the year and we will always be on the lookout for new and innovative work from local artists,” Koosed said. “The Media Artwall will give viewers a sense of what the local community brings to the Saint John’s experience.”
 
To learn more about how to participate and submit art, please visit www.stjohnsartwall.com <http://www.stjohnsartwall.com/>