Our New Art Collection Is a Therapy All Its Own

When the Lerner Children’s Pavilion opened at Hospital for Special Surgery in 2012, it was the result of years of meticulous planning. Every inch of the expansive, 31,000-square-foot space was designed with young patients and their families in mind: LED lighting and custom fixtures made of recycled glass; terrazzo flooring that suggest flowing “rivers” of light; exam rooms equipped with special lighting that let children choose the color of one wall; comfortable, in-room accommodations for families; and a beautiful activity room for patients and their families.

And that was just the first phase.

Earlier this year, the Lerner Children’s Pavilion added yet another new feature to help children feel more comfortable: Art. More specifically, stunning abstract paintings now line the walls of the outpatient areas, doctors’ offices, and exam rooms—basically, wherever young patients go when they come for a visit.

“The new artwork is vibrant and engaging,” says Roger F. Widmann, MD, Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at HSS. “This initiative is another great detail in making each visit a positive experience for families.”

Some of the collection comes from professional artists from around the country, negotiated through a partnership between HSS and Upright Art. Pediatric Council members Sheree Chiou and Lara R. Lerner, who is also an HSS Board of Trustees member as well as Co-Chair of the Pediatric Council, curated the collection, choosing pieces that complemented the aesthetics, colors, and concept of the child-friendly space.

Additional artwork was imagined and produced by patients under the guidance of a New York City art teacher, who volunteered her time and talents to help with the project.

“The children felt great pride in being able to create artwork for areas they frequently visit,” explains Lisa S. Ipp, MD, Chief of Pediatric Medicine, “and we are just as proud to display them.”

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “The children are so excited about their creations, and more kids immediately began asking how they can participate in the next phase of the project,” Dr. Ipp says. “Caregivers also express great appreciation for the project. They’re always impressed that kids of different ages and abilities created such impressive work.”

But the artwork is more than just decorative. The color-rich paintings and mosaics are meant to help create a healing environment for patients and families. “Research shows that artwork in hospitals can have positive effects on people’s stress, anxiety and pain perceptions,” Dr. Ipp adds. “Involving the children was additionally beneficial, as the act of creating the art served as a therapeutic tool and positive distraction while they were at the hospital.”