An Artistic View

Jim and sujo Offield cut the ceremonial ribbon at the Grand Opening of The Offield Family Pavilion on August 6. “Providing the best hospital services for this community is a way for our family to give back to an area that has given us six generations of memories. Our family has utilized every service the hospital offers, from birth to death. My own life was saved there...our family is proud to be in partnership with McLaren.” Elise Fisher, McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation Board Chair, said the hospital remains guided by its mission to put the needs of patients first. “We are especially grateful to these community leaders for these incredible gifts and for their commitment to McLaren Northern Michigan,” said Fisher.

Original artwork sets the tone for a healing environment

Art is one of many design features in the new facility chosen for the positive impact it will have on all who work, visit, or receive care here. In a health care setting, viewing art offers a positive distraction from worries, fears, and pain; provides comfort by depicting familiar and beloved places and pastimes; causes positive measurable changes in blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, respiration rate, cortisol levels, and brain activity. The art installation in the new wing was selected for therapeutic properties and includes over 200 pieces purchased and donated from Michigan artists. Many local donors also directed their gifts to fund the purchase of art for the building.

McLaren Northern Michigan partnered with Crooked Tree Arts Center to connect with artists and also received support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, administered by the Northwest Michigan Arts and Culture Network. April Wagner’s hot sculpted glass installation, Longshore Current, which hangs from the ceiling in the main concourse area of the new wing, was generously donated in memory of Mary Fran Kolp by her friends and family.