The Clinical Center Art Program began in 1984 with the intention of purchasing artwork for the outpatient clinics in the new addition to the Clinical Center, the Ambulatory Care and Research Facility (ACRF). Original art that had been commissioned for one of the clinics arrived before construction was completed. The decision was made to install it in a public area on the first floor until the clinic was ready. When the artwork finally moved to its permanent location, the Clinical Center Director, suggested continuation of the temporary exhibits. The art program expanded its role to include the galleries, featuring the changing art exhibits.Additional galleries were created as it became evident there was a need for art in the hospital environment. Currently there are five wall galleries and two sculpture cases that change six times a year. Located in the Phlebotomy waiting area, Gallery Two, shows work that is soothing and realistic in nature to help divert attention from what can be a stressful procedure. On the other hand, Lipsett Gallery, located in the lobby of the Lipsett Amphitheater provides exhibits of abstracts and other more challenging subject matter enjoyed by researchers and visitors attending lectures and Grand Rounds.
The exhibition philosophy focuses on working with the local arts community, from individuals to larger organizations and societies including Strathmore Hall, Spectrum Gallery, Pyramid Atlantic, Maryland Printmakers, and the National Capital Art Glass Guild. For several years exhibits traveled from the National Academy of Sciences to the Lipsett Gallery.
Another focus has been thematic exhibitions. Examples include the "Educational Series" which explored the teacher/student relationship, "Printmaking as a process", "Art & Healing", "The Creative Process" showing how painters set up a painting, and "Met on the Net", an international exhibit featuring artists who "met" through conversations over the Internet. In the fall of 2000 there was a return to the Art and Healing theme with a major exhibit of artists and designers who have attended the Corcoran College of Art and Design.
The Clinical Center Galleries offer a unique public art program within a government research facility. The unusual demands of the Clinical Center are a challenge, but also offer a powerful opportunity to reach out to the community of patients, staff and visitors that come to the NIH. In a recent exhibit in Gallery One was an artist who has been a patient at NIH for seven years. He had studied watercolor in college only to return to it years later when he became ill. While being treated at the Clinical Center he spent countless hours walking the corridors to familiarizing himself with every work of art in the hospital. His hope to exhibit in the Clinical Galleries was finally realized in a beautiful one-person show. In another gallery, a member of the nursing staff had an exhibition. She was inspired to take night classes in studio arts after spending years walking through the galleries on her way to and from work. She has also exhibited several paintings in group shows.
All artwork in the galleries is available for sale with 20% of the proceeds going to the Patient Emergency Fund. Sales have been to a diverse world- wide population of visitors, patients and staff. To purchase artwork or to request additional information regarding the galleries please contact Crystal Parmele in the Office of Facility Management, Building 10, Room B1L410, 301-402-0115. The Office of Facility Management is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
