University Hospitals Embrace Local Black Artists, Enriching Cleveland's Wellness Spaces
CLEVELAND, OH – University Hospitals (UH) is celebrating the work of local Black artists through installations at its two wellness centers where community members come to enhance their health and overall wellness.
BACK ROW: Jae Capo, David Ramsey, Emanuel Wallace, Dayzwhun, Aldonte the Artist, “Little Nigel” (Dayzwhun’s son)
FRONT ROW: Pahpy@sammiedoesit, Asia Armour, Martina Pace (University Hospitals)
The wellness centers, located in Bedford and in the Glenville neighborhood, are designed to be more than just medical facilities; they are envisioned as community hubs where art and health intersect to promote well-being. "We want the wellness centers to have a clear distinction from the traditional clinic or medical building," Lena Grafton, PhD, MPH, CHES, director of community health engagement at UH, stated. The incorporation of art into these spaces is seen as a critical component to achieving this vision.
To curate the artwork for these centers, UH collaborated with Deep Roots Experience, an art gallery renowned for its focus on Black and Brown artists. Together, they selected 21 pieces of art from nine artists, ensuring that the artwork resonated with the centers' goals of health education and community empowerment. "We needed something unique and specific for the wellness centers," explained Tom Huck, UH's art curator, highlighting the importance of representing local Black artists in these spaces.
The selection process, led by David Ramsey of Deep Roots Experience, took approximately six months, with a keen focus on ensuring that the artwork reflected themes relevant to the community and wellness, such as healthy living and social cohesion. "Investing in living artists is the only way that art continues," Ramsey noted, emphasizing the broader impact of this project on supporting the arts and inspiring community members to engage with local art.
Artists featured in the wellness centers include Aldonte The Artist, Asia Armour, Bee1ne, Jae Capo, Dayzwhun, Pahpy@sammiedoesit, Bobbi Reagins, Vivica Satterwhite, and Emanuel Wallace. Their work is intended not only to beautify the spaces but also to inspire and empower those who visit the centers for health services and programming.
This art integration initiative aligns with UH's Community Health Investment Strategy, which prioritizes economic opportunity, well-being, and maternal and child health. By reflecting these priorities through art, UH aims to create a sense of pride and empowerment among community members who utilize the wellness centers.
University Hospitals continues to be a leader in integrating healthcare services with community engagement efforts, demonstrating the powerful role that art can play in enhancing health and wellness spaces.
For more information on University Hospitals and their community engagement initiatives, please visit UHhospitals.org.
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