The Art of Healing
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July 14, 2023
Artist and educator Richard Kamler once said, “Art is our one true global language. It knows no nation, it favors no race, and it acknowledges no class. It speaks to our need to reveal, heal, and transform. It transcends our ordinary lives and lets us imagine what is possible.”
Science agrees that art has healing properties. One study showed that when subjects looked at a beautiful painting, their brains responded the same way they did when they saw their loved ones. Another demonstrated that hospital patients who had something beautiful to look at recovered faster and needed less pain medication. More than 40% of hospitals have invested in art. Many have found that it encourages patients to get out of bed and walk through the hall—a key factor in healing. Art also reduces anxiety and helps both visitors and staff members feel more relaxed.
Overlake’s art collection is an ongoing effort begun during Project FutureCare. Most of the hospital's 58 works are located in Building 1, east and were selected by a dedicated committee that carefully evaluated each one to ensure that they aligned with Overlake’s values.
The goals of building an art collection for Overlake include:
- Curating the growth of a diverse collection of works by Pacific Northwest artists as well as artists who are represented by Pacific Northwest galleries.
- Encouraging dialogue and conversation about the art, artists and collection.
- Reflecting cultural diversity and inclusiveness.
- Creating an environment that is rich in color, pattern, texture, theory and ideas, which will serve as a welcoming, enriching atmosphere for our patients and visitors.
The art collection was built with the help of generous donors, including Firoz and Najma Lalji, for whom the collection is named. Other donors gifted specific pieces to the hospital.
When you are ill or visiting a sick family member, your surroundings matter. Overlake is here to care for our patients and community, and we are grateful for our generous community’s help in making our campus a warm, welcoming, healing place.
Visit our Art Catalog to view the full collection of works.
