The new UCI Health Irvine campus has introduced an extensive art collection across its three new buildings, designed to enhance patient and staff wellness. The initiative aims to leverage the known benefits of serene images of nature, which have been shown to reduce stress, calm the mind, and promote relaxation, all considered key components of health.
The curation of this significant display was overseen by a committee. James Irvine Swinden, former president of The Irvine Museum, led the committee, with Ellen Khoudari, UCI Health senior project manager, also serving as a key member. Their collective goal was to create an environment that resonates with the local community.
Ms. Khoudari articulated the committee's objective, stating, "We wanted to capture this area because we know that the science tells us, if a patient, a caregiver or staff member looks at something that is familiar, something that they know about, they will find comfort in that, even if it’s subconscious." This approach focuses on the psychological benefits of recognizing local scenes and imagery.
The vision for the collection extended beyond aesthetic appeal. As one committee leader stated, "My vision was not only to have great art in the hospital from a healing standpoint, but also to have the art resonate with patients by having local scenes, so people could identify with the art they saw." This emphasizes the deliberate choice to feature art that is identifiable and comforting to Irvine residents and those familiar with the area.
The collection itself is substantial, comprising nearly 250 commissioned pieces, each presented in special gold-colored frames. In addition to these, the campus hosts 76 murals and more than 1,300 prints. This highly local display incorporates a diverse range of artistic mediums, including intricate 3D glass structures, California impressionist paintings, complex textiles, and photography, among others. Among the artists contributing to this local display is Jeff Sewell, who was born and raised in Newport Beach and is noted as one of the first artists commissioned for the UCI Health Irvine campus project.
This comprehensive art program reflects a deliberate strategy to integrate healing elements into the hospital environment, focusing on local familiarity and the documented positive effects of art on mental and emotional well-being.
