U of A Hospital marks 40 years of bringing hope and healing through art

‘Viewing visual art improves mental well-being, reduces anxiety and connects people’

Story & photos by Marni Kuhlmann

EDMONTON — Forty years ago, philanthropist Bill McMullen imagined a hospital where art could offer comfort alongside clinical care. Today, his vision has grown into one of Canada's most significant hospital art collections, with more than 2,000 works on display across the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) campus.

To celebrate this milestone, the McMullen Gallery — named in honour of its founder — recently presented While We Wait and Heal: 40 Years of the U of A Hospital Art Collection. The exhibition reflects on four decades of art's role in patient care, healing and community, and features works selected by donors, staff and friends of the University Hospital Foundation's Arts in Health program, each accompanied by a personal reflection about its meaning.

“Spending time in the hospital can be challenging for patients and families. It’s important to make that time as comfortable as possible, and we can do that through art,” says Tyler Sherard, associate director, Arts in Health, University Hospital Foundation (UHF). “Research shows that viewing visual art can improve mental well-being, reduce anxiety, and help people feel more connected and supported during what is often an uncertain time.”

For former UAH patient, Pam Kriangkum, art became a source of hope during a difficult chapter of her life.

“There was a particular piece in the McMullen Gallery at the time that really resonated with me,” she says. “That piece gave me connection in a time where I felt that nobody understood me and I felt isolated. Being able to see parts of what I was experiencing through art, made me feel less alone.

“Coming back to this space is emotional. It really hit me that I made it out alive. I’m here, 10 years later and able to share my story, because at one point I thought there was no way. Art gave me that hope.”

Dr. Keith Aronyk, neurosurgeon and former zone clinical department head of Neurosciences, has long been a champion for arts in health. He deeply understands the importance of using art to transform clinical spaces into comforting, inviting spaces for patients.

“Heading into the hospital, or a particular unit, can be intimidating. But when you see artwork, with different textures and colours, people often take a deep breath, even take a moment to take in the art, and they know right away that they are in a friendly place. It really sets the tone.” Forty years in, this collection is still doing exactly what Bill McMullen hoped it would.

“The artwork around the hospital is meeting people in some of the hardest moments of their lives and offering them a moment of connection,” says Sherard. “This collection continues to be a part of the healthcare journey for so many people.”

The McMullen Gallery is located on the first floor of UAH, near the 112th Street entrance. The Arts in Health program is supported and managed by the University Hospital Foundation.