Not terribly long after I opened Art Effect Gallery, I was approached by an interior design professional, Phyllis Canvasser, who was working on an interior design build-out for a new medical office in Novi, Michigan.  Phyllis wanted to select original works of art by emerging local artists for the 10,000 sq. ft. space. 

A collector of fine art from CCS graduates herself, Phyllis was determined to fill the entire space with authentic art in lieu of the more typical ho-hum poster art that abounds in most physicians’ offices. The physicians at Envision Diagnostic Center were all for it.  I was so refreshed by this idea, and we dove in, searching for just the right art to fit the design elements that were previously selected. 

The medical office is a diagnostic facility – their patients are often facing a stressful series of tests.  Phyllis focused on putting the more significant art in the spaces where she knew the patients would be nervously waiting for tests, thinking about the results, and hoping for the best. 

The signature piece in the space is located in the waiting room area.  It is a custom work commissioned by the office from University of Michigan graduate student, Jessica Joy Goldberg.  A colorful mixed media wall sculpture entitled Organism I, this work of art evokes the feeling of being surrounded by a living, cellular structure.  It somehow seems to impart hope and life – so appropriate for the medical office environment.  Stunning and substantial, spanning 5 feet, this work of art will allow all who enter the space to escape whatever worries and fears accompany them on their visit. 

Throughout the art commission process, Goldberg and Canvasser developed a rapport that simply cannot be replicated through the process of selecting mass-produced art.  It was really fun and rewarding to see how much they seemed to click.  Selecting original art is personal, even for a commercial space.  It has to feel right to be right.

When asked about the effect the original art has had on their practice, Diana Soulias, M.D. of Envision Diagnostic Center said, “A medical office should reflect comfort and serenity.  This artwork provides our patients with a focal point to test their imaginations and ease their minds.”

While I think that more and more physicians seem to be embracing this concept of providing a space that is serene, I don’t think the use of original art is a major goal in most medical offices.  Hospitals tend to be major collectors of art, but how often does the original art trickle down into the individual patient rooms and waiting rooms where the patients could really benefit?  Rarely.  At Envision Diagnostics, every single room and hallway in the space is enhanced through the use of original art – it is just good for the body and soul. 

                Phyllis chooses to support local galleries that represent Michigan artists and students from the art departments of local colleges in her personal and professional life.  The art for Envision Diagnostic Center was selected on a limited budget but Phyllis’ experience was that she was able to source the original art at local galleries within budget.  “The cost [of commissioned and original art by emerging artists] can be similar [to that of mass-produced art], with an impact that allows the patient to leave with a memorable experience”.  “The art work that I selected for Envision Diagnostics created an environment that is comforting and interesting to the patients, as well as the physicians and staff”. 

By Elyse W. Germack  Attorney and Founder of Art Effect Gallery