Interior Health is looking to the public for quality original art to help create an enriched experience for individuals visiting the new Community Health and Services Centre (CHSC), located in downtown Kelowna.

sa国际传媒淗ealing isnsa国际传媒檛 just mending broken bones sa国际传媒� itsa国际传媒檚 also emotional and spiritual care, and art can help facilitate that,sa国际传媒� said Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna. sa国际传媒淧eople needing health care services are probably already having a bad day. Original art can bring some joy and beauty sa国际传媒� and therapeutic benefits sa国际传媒� to their experience.sa国际传媒�

There has been a lot of thought put into the design theme of the new CHSC building, which emphasizes nature, natural beauty and water to inspire tranquil and calm feelings and emotions. Vibrant hues of blue, yellow and green are used selectively throughout the building, resembling lakes.

sa国际传媒淚 encourage people to contribute their artistic creations to the Community Health & Services Centre,sa国际传媒� said Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission. sa国际传媒淓njoying a piece of art can help someone get through a tough time and also add to the overall ambience of any environment.sa国际传媒�

sa国际传媒淭he Community Health & Services Centre sees an average of 1,000 people a day and this is a great opportunity for our local artists to showcase their works and have them be part of a setting that helps others heal,sa国际传媒� said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick.

White Rock artist Diana Robles and her husband and art manager Frazer Cole have donated art to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital for support theysa国际传媒檝e received in helping Robles recover from near fatal collapses due to health concerns.

sa国际传媒淭he addition of art into the houses of healing help to bring a positive energy and reminder that we must care for ourselves and another,sa国际传媒� said Cole.

While the CHSC is located in Kelowna, there are staff that work in program areas that support residents across Interior Health, including Vernon.

sa国际传媒淚tsa国际传媒檚 important that the art in the building reflects the diverse area that Interior Health serves,sa国际传媒� said art committee chair Givonna DeBruin. sa国际传媒淭he art committee came together primarily so we could create an opportunity to showcase artistssa国际传媒� work from all over our coverage area sa国际传媒� for our clients, staff and visitors to enjoy and appreciate.sa国际传媒�

Ideal art pieces should reflect community, connection and belonging, as well as being durable and suitable for public viewing and display ready. Contributions representing regional heritage, or featuring the artistic communities across Interior Health are especially welcome. A plaque will be placed beside each displayed piece with information about the artist and their artwork.

There has been significant research done about the therapeutic effects of creating and viewing art.

sa国际传媒淎rtistic expression can often serve as both an escape and a refuge from the intense emotions associated with various types of illness, including for those individuals dealing with mental health issues,sa国际传媒� said mental health and substance use team leader Grant Heidl. sa国际传媒淎side from relieving stress and providing a distraction from worrisome thoughts, artistic expression also allows the individual to enter a meditative-like state of focus which can temporarily push aside an individualsa国际传媒檚 worries.sa国际传媒�

The call for art or expression of interest will run from March through to the end of May.

Photos and descriptions of art pieces can be emailed to Givonna DeBruin at givonna.debruin@interiorhealth.ca or mailed to CHSC Art Selection Committee, c/o Givonna DeBruin at Interior Health, 505 Doyle Ave. Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 6V8

All expressions of interest will be reviewed by the art committee for suitability. Art pieces cannot be accepted without prior review by the Committee.