Redmond Regional Medical Center and Makervillage will create a permanent art installation atop the sunken rooftop in the center of the hospital. Planned for late spring, the “Art Garden” will be visible from 53 interior rooms on four floors, including the intensive care unit (ICU). The art installation will serve as an encouragement and comfort to room-bound patients and their visitors.
The project involves multiple collaborations with regional artists and organizations. The centerpiece of the garden will be a 16-foot metal tree made by artist, Erica Parson, with 10,000 leaves made of recycled mylar material and cut by local student and community volunteers. A knitted and crocheted flower bed covering the majority of the rooftop will be created by members of Rome Knitterati. Finally, an inspiring mural will feature both a daytime and nighttime scene to be experienced during any portion of the round-the-clock care of the hospital.
“We can’t wait to realize an innovative use for this architectural feature on top of our building,” said Andrea Pitts, Redmond Marketing Director, “we believe that art and beauty have the power to enhance patient experience within the hospital.” Makervillage, Inc in coordination with Redmond will provide several opportunities to allow for community participation in creating portions of the project.
“This project is very personal to me and grew directly out of my experience as a patient” said Makervillage Co-Founder Tricia Steele, “I’m so grateful to Redmond for welcoming big ideas. By hiring us to transform this functional space, we will be able to demonstrate the power of creativity with the most unexpected canvas and continue to provide resources to our startup members.”
There are many ways for the community to participate. Used mylar balloons can be placed in collection bins in the two main hospital lobbies. A flower crochet and knit kit is available for Redmond visitors or patients looking to contribute during their stay at the hospital.
Contributions to the project can be made at https://www.makervillage.org/artgarden. An experiential prototype was unveiled at the 5th Ave Pop-up Park on Thursday and is on display at Makervillage at 252 N. 5th Avenue.
