Hospital Art Collection
The University of Alberta Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, and the Stollery Children’s Hospital currently hold a joint collection of 1400 original works of art. This public collection is on display in patient rooms, waiting areas, and public corridors, and is maintained by the Friends of University Hospitals.
Artwork is added to the collection by purchase and commission when funds are available. Currently, our collection mainly grows through the generous donations of artists and art lovers.
Please read the donation guidelines (below) for more information.
Artists
The collection consists of works from artists across western Canada, including:
Violet Owen · Hillary Prince · Takeo Tanabe · Vivian Thierfelder · Robert Genn · Alexandra Haeseker · Brent Laycock · Irene Klar · Maureen Harvey · Sheila Maki · Helene Mackie · John Freeman · Gerald Hushlak · John Esler · Bill Laing · Grant Leier · Toni Onley · Joe Fafard · Richard Yates · Derek Besant · Margaret Witschl · Ross Bradley · Manwoman · Jane Ash Poitras · Peter Shostak · Francine Gravel
Five Elements by Edmonton artist, Patrick Jacob, is a permanent installation commissioned by Alberta Health Services and Ellis Don. The five-piece work of art can be found, along with metal and wood sculptures, in the MAHI’s Healing Gardens.
Double Helix by Terry Frost was commissioned for the University of Alberta Hospital’s centennial celebration. Made with painted steel and coated acrylic panels, it hangs above the snack bar in the Walter C. MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre.
Hangin’ Out by Terry and Linda Unger was commissioned by the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation in recognition of Edmonton businessman, Fred Singer, and his contribution to the MAHI through his “Bad Pants” golf tournament.
Black Spruce North by artist, Jim Davies, and poet, Stuart Adams, is one of 14 poem-paintings that comprise the winning entry in Arts in Healthcare’s Diagnostic Imagery project. The entire collection is installed on the second floor of the MAHI.
Oleander by artist, John Freeman, was dedicated to Dr. Arvind Koshal by Dr. and Mrs. William Lakey. It is one of several donation pieces to the Friends. Anyone interested in making a similar contribution is invited to review our art donation guidelines.
Serenity, a mixed medium mosaic by Anja Hertle was commissioned by the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation in honor of contributions made by the Jasper Park Lodge to the MAHI. Five panels in all create one magnificent image of the lodge.
Artwork Donations
Artwork offered for donation to the University of Alberta Hospital, Stollery Children’s Hospital and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute will be considered based on the following criteria:
- artwork must be original, contemporary Western Canadian
- primarily (but not exclusively) two dimensional work
- professional quality with discernable values that maintain the consistency and integrity of the collection
- artwork created on and with archival materials
- artworks should be no larger than 4 feet high x 8 feet long (some exceptions will be considered if space allows
- content/images and color must be appropriate to the hospital environment
- artwork must be in good physical condition and preferably framed
To make an offer of artwork to the hospital collection, contact:
Manager, Arts in Healthcare
michelle.casavant@albertahealthservices.ca
Potential donors will be asked to submit a short application and an image of the artwork being offered. Donations will be reviewed by our Art Collection Committee and donors will be informed of their decision. Although we appreciate all offers, we can not accept every donation.
If the artwork is accepted, donors are asked to complete a simple “Donation Agreement” which transfers legal ownership to the University Hospital Foundation. This form must be signed by the artwork’s legal owner and returned to the McMullen Gallery.
Donors are entitled to receive a charitable tax receipt for the appraised value of the artwork. For artwork valued at under $1000.00, the Manager, Arts in Healthcare may be able verify the value. For artwork valued at $1000.00 or more, an independent appraisal from a member of the Canadian Art Dealers Association is required. If the artwork is valued at $10,000.00 or more, two independent appraisals are required. Gallery staff can provide information on appropriate appraisers.
- You are welcome to suggest a location for your donation, and text to go on the label. All requests will be considered and accommodated when it is possible and appropriate.
- Artwork is installed in the hospital once all paperwork has been completed, and an appropriate location has been found.
Cash donations also help us to maintain and add special items to our collections.
