Algoma University’s Visual Arts program has once again partnered with the Sault Area Hospital (SAH) to bring artwork into the Algoma District Cancer Program (ADCP), supporting patient wellbeing by fostering a more calming, welcoming care environment.
Building on a successful 2024 collaboration, the 2025 project was guided by current research into the types of artwork and environments that best support patients in cancer care settings. Studies show that thoughtfully integrated hospital art collections can positively influence patient health outcomes, helping to reduce stress, promote calm, and provide a distraction that may ease pain.
The partnership was initiated by Jennifer Harvey, SAH Recreational Therapist supporting Behavioural Support Ontario (BSO), with the goal of creating a more comfortable, engaging hospital environment. It continued through the course, Special Topics in Public Art: Art and Cancer Care, led by Professor Katie Huckson, which brought together students, Visual Arts alumni, faculty, and local artists to contribute to a research-informed art installation within the ADCP.
“Research highlighted the calming effects of colour, particularly greens and blues, which prompted our repainting of hallways and waiting areas to complement the artwork and create a more welcoming environment,” said Huckson. “While nature and landscape art are often assumed to be most beneficial in healthcare settings, we found that a variety of artwork supports healing and stress reduction, reflected in the diverse pieces selected for the ADCP.”
The curated collection includes a variety of styles and media, guided by a commitment to inclusive and representative care spaces, ensuring Indigenous artwork is prominently represented. By the end of the term, over 50 artworks were installed throughout waiting areas, hallways, and clinical spaces, enriching the environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff.
“Having a university course that brings meaning to art outside the classroom and impacts the community in such an important way is why I loved this course,” shared fourth-year Bachelor of Fine Arts student D’lyla Trudeau. “If we made someone feel even slightly more comfortable in the cancer wing, that would make me extremely happy and proud of the work that was put into this opportunity by everyone involved.”
View the gallery of artworks here.
Research findings are linked within the full version of the story, available here.
To learn more about Algoma University’s Visual Arts program, visit algomau.ca.
Artists who generously contributed their work to the ADCP collection include: Victoria Quon, Isabelle Michaud, Goldie Barzan, David Ellis, Angeline Castilloux, Amy Williams, Lyndsey Young, and Jeff Dixon. Current and former Algoma University Visual Arts professors who contributed artwork to the project include: Annie King, Tom O’Flanagan, Katie Huckson, Taylor Jolin, Lucia Laford, and John Laford. Students who created artworks for the project include: D’lyla Trudeau, Barry Beaver, Ngwa Tayuh Che, Ariana Petainen, and Phoenix King.
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