The Art of Healing
This augmented reality exhibit allowed Dartmouth Health to share The Art of Healing installation with those who visited any of their locations throughout New Hampshire—and beyond. Augmented reality was a digital tool that enabled digital content to be overlaid in the real world using mobile devices. With augmented reality, there were no physical constraints or restrictions of space, security, or installation logistics. The tangible objects from The Art of Healing installation were displayed throughout the Ambulatory Surgical Center, but the artwork could be enjoyed using an iOS device anywhere there was access to Wi-Fi, including all of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health’s locations. The virtual exhibition came at a time when socially distant art exhibitions had expanded the reach of engaging audiences during the restrictions of COVID-19.
This collaboration highlighted Dartmouth Health’s longstanding commitment to incorporating the arts into the environment to create a healing atmosphere for the health system’s many patients, staff, and visitors alike. The artwork was carefully selected by Director of Dartmouth Health Arts Marianne Barthel, with the assistance of Joni Taub of Art 3 Gallery. Highlights of the installation included a 40”H x 120”W hand-carved ceramic wall relief created by artist Natalie Blake and three contemporary oil paintings by Nick Paciorek depicting iconic buildings and scenes of Manchester, all of which were specifically commissioned for this new building.
“This collaborative project was an innovative way to merge art, technology, and healthcare,” said Barthel. “The interactive experience aimed to promote the importance of art in healthcare settings, New England artists, AR technology, and make fine art accessible to a widespread audience. Patients, staff, and the public were able to enjoy the healing power of art wherever they were.”