Hartland Artist to Display Work in New Hospital Addition

Hartland artist Lawrence Falardeau was among 84 Michigan artists that were chosen to provide artwork for St. Joseph Mercy Oakland's new patient tower, scheduled to open in 2014 in Pontiac.

St. Joseph requested artists for submissions that supported the healing journey by representing elements of nature or water landscapes. The artists were chosen by a committee made up of 23 doctors, nurses, visitors and marketing team members.

With a large range of artists beging chosen throughout the state, Falardeau, who grew up in the Highland area and has lived in Hartland for the past 11 years, says he feels "blessed" to be representing Hartland and the unique landscape his work could provide.

"It's sort of a continuation of my interests and passion throughout my lifetime here," he said. "I'm honored and feel priveledged to be able to do this."

Falardeau says he was drawn to submit his work for the project since the theme seemed to fit in with the "general value system" of his own paintings.

"Everything sort of ties back into the spirit of the land and how we're dependant on that. I try to weave in a little trascendent spirit into my paintings as well, using those elements," he said. "And I think that sort of fits in to the theraputic ideas, in the hospital setting, therapy and healing."

The selected artworks will be a mixture of both purchased and commissioned, and will be placed in the new lobby, elevator lobbies, waiting rooms, consultation rooms, patient rooms and public areas. 

Although it is still unknown which pieces of Falardeau's work will hang in the new addition, Falardeau says he hopes his paintings will provide comfort to visitors in what can sometimes be a "stressful" enviroment.

"I would hope it would provide an uplifting message to the potential patients and their families," Falardeau said. "As well as maybe calming their concerns."

Originally, more than 225 Michigan artists applied to have their artwork considered.

Leah Goodwin, director of Art Programs with Aesthetics, Inc, is coordinating the artwork the leadership from the hospital. Goodwin said they were very pleased with the number of entries they received.

"There's thousands of research studies that have been done on this and what has been proven is that in a healthcare setting, human beings are stressed," Goodwin said. "And so the environment plays a role in the journey of the patient and the family. and having artwork that is recognizable and beautiful actually makes people feel more at peace. The art supports the spiritual part of the body's journey in the healthcare setting."

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland will acquire about 850 pieces of artwork from the selected artists, including 47 major commissions. Funding for the artwork is being provided by private donors.