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). Research shows that hospital art collections can positively influence patient health outcomes, helping to reduce stress, promote calm, and even provide a distraction that may ease pain.
This fall, the course Special Topics in Public Art: Art and Cancer Care – Creating Healing Artworks for the Algoma District Cancer Program of the Sault Area Hospital invited students to create and curate artworks designed to foster a calming, healing environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Under the guidance of Professor Katie Huckson, the project expanded to include contributions from students, Algoma University Visual Art alumni, current and former Algoma University Visual Arts professors, and local artists. By the end of the term, more than fifty artworks had been installed throughout ADCP waiting areas, hallways, and clinical spaces, bringing a transformative impact to all who visit the unit.
Jennifer Harvey, SAH Recreational Therapist supporting Behavioural Support Ontario (BSO), initiated the partnership with Algoma University with the goal of creating more calming and comforting hospital spaces for patients. The first collaborative course between Algoma University Visual Arts and the Sault Area Hospital, held in 2024 and also instructed by Huckson, involved students designing murals and visual enhancements for the Transitional Care Unit. The students’ designs were guided by research, training, and consultation with DementiAbility Canada. Once installed, the murals and artworks provided immediate benefits for both patients and staff, contributing to a more welcoming and supportive environment. Building on this success, Jennifer Harvey continued the partnership with Algoma University Visual Arts to bring the benefits of art to more spaces throughout the hospital.
The ADCP space allowed for a broader range of artistic media and subject matter, as it was not subject to the same restrictions as the transitional care unit. The selection and creation of artworks were guided by research into the types of art that would most benefit the broad range of patients in cancer care. Early findings highlighted that certain colour palettes, particularly greens and blues, had the strongest calming effect on viewers. Reflecting this research and the project’s curatorial vision, several hallways and waiting areas were repainted in soothing shades of blue and green to complement the artwork. Together, the art and environment work to create a serene, welcoming space designed to reduce stress, support healing, and enhance the overall experience for patients, families, and staff.
Preliminary research shows that a variety of artworks can help reduce stress and support healing for patients. While nature and landscape pieces are especially popular, abstract and figurative works are also warmly received by patients, staff, and visitors. In reviewing hospital art collections across Canada, the inclusion of artwork by Indigenous artists stood out as an important priority and directly informed the curation of the ADCP spaces. With a small class of six students, Huckson expanded the project and community impact by inviting visual arts alumni and local artists to contribute, creating a vibrant and diverse collection. Taylor Jolin, Algoma University Visual Art Studio Support and Community-Based Programming Assistant, provided essential technical support and was instrumental in the installation of artworks throughout the ADCP spaces. The resulting installation not only showcases the creativity of the community but also enhances the healing environment, promotes inclusivity, and provides patients, visitors, and staff with a source of comfort, inspiration, and connection.
To view photos of the artworks, click here.
To view the research documents, click here.
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.
About Algoma University’s Visual Arts Program: Algoma University’s Visual Arts Program offers a 4-year Bachelor of Fine Arts, a 3-year Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art, combined degree options with other programs, and a Minor in Visual Art. Students learn in state-of-the-art studios for painting, drawing, printmaking, digital media, photography, woodworking, and ceramics. The curriculum blends hands-on studio practice with Art History and Theory, along with professional training through group exhibition and professional practices courses. Designed to prepare graduates for careers as artists, creative entrepreneurs, and community leaders, the program is housed in new, purpose-built studios at 1416 Wellington Street East in Sault Ste. Marie. For more information about the Visual Arts program, please visit our website, @algomauvisualart on Instagram or email [email protected].
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