The gallery space on Level 1 of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is hosting the exhibition “Healing + Community” through April 17. The exhibition, which is currently on display, features the artwork of five Nebraska artists — Jennifer Homan, Charles Kay, Jr., Laurie Victor Kay, Thomas Prinz, and Jennifer Radil.
The exhibition grew from a recent Healing Arts Acquisition Committee project: to select artwork for the Special Care Unit at the cancer center. In this inpatient unit, bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients live in isolation for up to three months as they undergo the transplant and recovery process. Because the Special Care Unit becomes a temporary home for these patients, the committee sought to create an inspirational environment with artwork that represented the local Nebraska community.
The five artists in this exhibition were selected for the Special Care Unit project because their works reflect the unique art community of Nebraska and culture of the region.
“Each of these five artists embodies a distinct form of expression, and the selection of artworks in this exhibition represents outstanding examples of works by these artists,” said Colleen Heavican Cass, curator of the Healing Arts Program. “Ranging from realism to abstraction, some of the works feature the artists’ signature subjects, while other works reflect new explorations by the artists.
“Together these artists and their artworks represent the coalescence of healing and community,” she said. “They unite us through sharing their gift of healing through art.”
“Healing + Community” is a free exhibition on view on Level 1 of the Buffett Cancer Center during regular visiting hours 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
The exhibition will be included in docent-guided Healing Arts tours. Docent led art tours are offered on a first come, first served basis for 15 people from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Individuals can sign up for tours online here.
The Healing Arts Program at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine recognizes that the arts are intrinsic to wellness and healing. Creating an aesthetically comforting and beautiful environment, a diverse collection of artwork is showcased throughout public, private and research spaces within the cancer center.
I love the artwork around the campus. It sets us apart and is uplifting. I do miss the Jim Dine that was in the BCC hallway near the Chihuly atrium. It has been moved but where to seems to be a secret. It used to be the highlight of my day to round the corner on the second floor and see it. Colleen told me it was getting too much light there and as an artist, I can appreciate that. Still, I miss the piece and would love to find it and view it again.