Sentara Brock Cancer Center helps lift patient spirits
Celebrating an evening of art & music with donors and friends
When early concepts for the Sentara Brock Cancer Center were designed, the vision was for the center to encompass not only state-of-the-art medical care but also to include an aesthetic that would lift patients’ spirits and give them a sense of peace and calm.
In the three years since the cancer center has been open, art and cultural elements have been continually added to the facility, fulfilling the promise to provide a haven for healing for patients and families traveling through the cancer journey.
Art possesses a unique ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit. For individuals facing challenging health circumstances, engaging with art can provide a renewed sense of purpose and meaning. Creating or experiencing art has also been linked to improved immune function and better treatment outcomes.
Art has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting healing and wellness, addressing the intricate connections between the mind, body and soul.
On the third anniversary of the cancer center’s opening, community members gathered to celebrate the artists who have created artwork for the facility and to honor the many donors who have made the art and music programs possible.
Speaking at the event, Dennis Matheis, president and CEO of Sentara Health, thanked the dozens of artists who created pieces for the Sentara Brock Cancer Center and the donors who supported their work, recognizing their “key role in making the cancer center a welcoming, nurturing and artfilled space — where daily we practice the ‘Art of Healing.’”
Beyond the soothing art that is found at the cancer center, is the significant impact it has had on the Hampton Roads region. Matheis reported that in the past year, the Sentara Brock Cancer Center has served nearly 900 patients a day and coordinated over 1,900 outreach events. In addition, 540 patients have participated in research studies at the cancer center.
The evening culminated in unveiling the new signature sculpture, “Gratitude.” This beautiful new piece, which greets guests as they arrive, represents the true spirit of gratitude. Artists Jennifer Madden and Jeffrey Reed explained their inspiration for the sculpture. Whether someone sees the image of a ribbon, a leaf or praying hands their intention was to create a piece that represents harmony, hope and healing.
“Gratitude” was made possible through a partnership between Sentara and the city of Norfolk’s public art commission, which has been responsible for installing more than 100 pieces of artwork throughout the city. Donors Suzanne and Vince Mastraccco, Jody Mattison and Jordan Asher also contributed.
The Sentara Brock Cancer Center Art Committee, along with resident artist administrator, Staci Katsias, curated the process of creating the call for artists for the sculpture — interviewing and selecting the final candidates. The art committee has also been responsible for identifying and commissioning other works in the cancer center, including the mural on the parking garage wall, “Cindy’s Quilt,” sculptures in the Healing Garden, “Stargazer” and “Wind Dancers,” as well as the rotating art exhibit.
We encourage you to visit the Sentara Brock Cancer Center and take a tour of the art that can be found there. Please visit anytime Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.