Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion to Feature Artwork from Detroit Institute of Arts ‘Inside|Out’ Program

 Henry Ford Cancer Institute's new Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, a global destination for seamless and integrated cancer care, bringing together the newest and most innovative treatment options including disease-specific clinics, precision medicine, clinical trials and supportive services, will feature reproductions of artistic masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts’ (DIA) collection. As part of the DIA’s Inside|Out program, 28 high-quality reproductions will be on display throughout the first, second and third floors of Henry Ford’s new 187,000 square-foot cancer pavilion, which will begin offering patient care on Jan. 20, 2021.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the DIA in helping us create a unique healing environment for our patients and their families,” said Mary Jane Vogt, executive vice president, and chief development officer at Henry Ford Health System. “Those who are experiencing the cancer journey often face challenges that are exhausting not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. The beautiful artwork provided by the DIA will offer a soothing and positive distraction that patients and families can enjoy.”

The masterpieces on display in the new cancer pavilion will include reproductions of famous paintings by Solomon Irein Wangboje, Vincent Van Gogh, Karin Kneffel and many others. Located less than three miles away from the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, the DIA creates experiences that help each visitor find personal meaning in art, individually and with each other. By providing these Inside|Out pieces to Henry Ford’s new cancer pavilion, the DIA hopes lift the spirits of those who are experiencing a challenging time in their life.

“Art holds incredible power – it can provoke, inspire, connect, and teach. But most importantly, it can heal,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA Director. “Through these examples of human creativity, patients and their families can find hope and beauty. And it is particularly meaningful to me personally to partner with the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, named for the late wife of my dear friend, Mort Harris."

Both the artwork and their placement in the new cancer pavilion, were carefully selected in consideration to the physical and emotional journeys patients and families experience. For example, works near the elevator aim to give people something to consider while they wait and soothe anxiety in advance of or after their appointments. Works in the waiting areas will feature serene but hopeful imagery that speaks to the future, while works displayed along the Nancy Vlasic Skywalk that connects the cancer pavilion to Henry Ford Hospital are colorful and dynamic to capture visitors’ attention as they explore the pavilion or are in transit.

“Cancer treatment usually requires patients to spend a lot of time inside,” said Megan Winkel, Lindsay Anderson Healing Arts Curator and manager of the Healing Arts Program at Henry Ford Cancer Institute. “Some of our patients travel from other states and even other countries, but because of the time needed for treatment, and their physical condition, they might not have an opportunity to get out and experience the rich arts and cultural offerings of Detroit. Through this partnership, our patients with cancer and their families can enjoy artworks featured in the DIA’s world-class collection, right from where they are being treated.”