Nobody would ever confuse Duke Hospital for a museum, but the amount of art hanging there could fill one. For more than 20 years, Janice Palmer and the Medical Center Cultural Services office have filled empty spaces in the hospital, patients' rooms, cafeterias and hallways, with art meant both to stimulate thought and improve the well-being of the patients and employees. The office stands behind more than 2,000 works of original art now hanging in the hospital along with about 1,000 posters. It has turned to employees as well, offering them opportunities to be creative through poetry contests, art shows and to see and hear musical and dramatic performances in the workplace. It brings beauty into the workplace.
Art also helps celebrate community.
We see the Cultural Services office as an arts council for a small town. People need celebration, and through art we bring that aspect to the various populations of the hospital. And art can touch the spirit. It is part of the emotional language we use. It's fulfilling to be surrounded by that.