Harnessing the healing power of art

Should you find yourself inside the new UCI Health — Irvine acute care hospital feeling calm and contemplative as you get lost in a scenic mural, that’s no accident.

Each of the 1,465 works of art displayed throughout the seven-story building and the rest of the medical complex was chosen with care and consideration for the emotions they would evoke.

The artwork deliberately reflects Southern California scenes and landscapes because the curators sought images that would evoke a sense of home, of familiar terrain, for everyone who comes to the medical campus, whether as a patient, visitor or co-worker.

“We care about how you feel when you walk into our space,” says Ellen Khoudari, senior project manager at UCI Health.

They deliberately steered clear of abstract art that can make you anxious or uneasy. “Each piece was chosen or created to promote comfort, connection and belonging,” Khoudari explains.

Curated by art committee

The artwork was curated by the UCI Health Art Committee, which is led by UCI Health President and CEO Chad T. Lefteris and James Irvine Swinden, son of the late Joan Irvine Smith, who was instrumental in the creation of UC Irvine. The committee, which also includes local artists, engaged San Diego-based healthcare design firm Aesthetics Inc. to design the program.

“Art is not just decoration; it’s a fundamental component of human well-being,” says Annette Ridenour, Aesthetics president and CEO.

“Through thoughtful curation and collaboration, we have integrated Orange County’s natural beauty and community spirit into every corridor, providing moments of peace, reflection and hope for patients, families and caregivers.”

Evidence-based art program

The positive impact of viewing scenic natural images, including scenes with greenery, natural light and water, is increasingly being validated by research studies.

Images of nature have been demonstrated to:

• Calm the mind following stress
• Reduce heart rate
• Promote relaxation

The UCI Health art program brings this research to life.

‘Nature and nurture’

The vision for the art project, called “Nature and Nurture,” was shaped in part by UCI Health co-workers, whose ideas led to art that represents community landmarks, celebrations and scenic landscapes. The result reflects the culture and natural vistas of Orange County as well as the UCI Health mission: Discover. Teach. Heal.

“Engaging co-workers ensured that the art resonates deeply,” says Ridenour.

“It represents their community, their environment and their philosophy of care. The outcome is a hospital that feels alive with belonging and meaning.”

The art in each of the three medical complex buildings is centered around a unique theme:

• Joe C. Wen & Family Center for Advanced Care: Celebrates the beauty of natural ecosystems, featuring art inspired by the wetlands, ocean, chaparral and gardens of Orange County.
• Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care building: Emphasizes a sense of belonging and highlights images from local communities, showcasing familiar places and landmarks that foster comfort and identity.
• UCI Health — Irvine: Emphasizes the healing power of human connection, honoring relationships, collaboration and the restorative nature of social bonds.

Created by more than 200 regional artists, the artwork on display includes 243 commissioned originals, 76 murals and 1,320 giclée prints.

“This collaboration between UCI Health and Aesthetics Inc. transcends mere beautification,” Khoudari says.

"It's about creating spaces that reflect our community, where patients, visitors and staff can feel seen, valued and inspired."