Design in Healing
The arts initiative at the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center

Autumn pic   "Autumn Pool" by Frederick Nichols  

Cancer patients frequently experience discomfort and fatigue, as well as worry and stress, during their treatment. A soothing, peaceful clinical environment, however, can aid in the healing process. That's why art is an essential part of the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center.

Rsearch has shown that art aids healing by creating a sense of engagement with beauty, unleashing the power of their imagination to help them envision a future where they are standing on a hill overlooking a valley pasture, or watching a beautiful sunset and feeling the warmth of the sun. 

UVA's Design in Healing Initiative seeks to

  • reduce stress in patients and their loved ones by
  • provide art experiences that are optimistic, captivating, and beautiful
  • explore the harmonious relationship between art and architecture and healing.

We need your help. The Cancer Center seeks funds to purchase pieces that will engage our patients and contribute to the healing environment of the Couric Center. Painting, photography, sculpture, and digital artwork all will be represented in the center, with a curatorial committee selecting the pieces. Artists are encouraged to submit images of their work to the curatorial committee for consideration.

Due to the generosity of artists Fred Nichols, Dick Crozier, Pamela Orr, and Henry Isaacs, some of their pieces were exhibited for the dedication and opening of the Couric Center. These pieces are available for donation to become part of the permanent collection. There is a list of additional artists whose work we would like to feature in the building, and the committee also will review recommendations if a donor has a specific artist or piece to suggest.

If you would like to learn more about how you can support the Design in Healing Initiative and have a direct and lasting impact on the men and women we care for in the Couric Center, please contact Scott Karr at 434-982-6314 or e-mail him at skarr@virginia.edu.