Art Illustrates Adventist Health's Mission

Art Illustrates Adventist Health's Mission Most corporations write their mission statements on paper and file them away, often leaving customers unaware of the company’s purpose and driving force. At Adventist Health, however, mission is evident throughout its facilities. “The deliberate placement of icons and art within Adventist Health facilities illustrates our commitment to sharing God’s love and communicating the healing ministry of Christ,” explained Wayne Judd, assistant vice president of mission and planning at Adventist Health. “Especially in this ‘experience economy,’ we seek to provide our patients, visitors, and employees with whole-person care—aesthetically pleasing environments, compassionate care, and enriching encounters.” Featured below are examples of our mission illustrated at Adventist Health. "The Christ of Portland"—Adventist Medical Center, Portland, Ore. In the quietness of Adventist Medical Center’s (AMC) chapel, patients and family members find comfort and healing. They also will find Jesus, his arms outstretched in love and acceptance. Elfred Lee’s painting, “The Christ of Portland,” located in the hospital’s chapel, uplifts Christ and symbolizes to all who view it that He is the center of the facility. From whatever point the viewers stand, they have a feeling of being at the feet of Jesus with nothing between. The 10-by-20-foot mural, commissioned in 1980, departed from tradition by showing the nails used in crucifying Christ penetrating at the wrists where bones were strong enough to hold Jesus up, instead of the palms—consistent with archaeological findings. “The Christ of Portland" is a wonderful reminder to all who visit our chapel that Christ and His healing are the center of our hospital,” stated Deryl Jones, AMC president and CEO. “It is also unique to our area, featuring Mt. Hood in the skyline, which can also be viewed from our hospital site.” "Garden of Eden"—Castle Medical Center, Kailua, Hawaii Hawaii’s soaring Ko’olaus Mountains and lush vegetation are depicted on a custom-designed, stained-glass mural located in Castle Medical Center’s chapel. Some believe it to be the warm spring of the Castle “mana” (spirit). Inspiration for Hawaii’s "Garden of Eden" was drawn from the state motto: “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness,” and Isaiah 42:12—“Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim His praise in the islands.” Nearly 2,000 hand-cut pieces of slab glass comprise this breathtaking 8-by-18-foot mural, meticulously designed and constructed by Clinton W. Conley, art instructor for more than 30 years at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, and assisted by student employees of the former Rio Glass Works in Healdsburg, Calif. The backlit mural’s natural scenery and soothing sounds of a water fountain invite patients, family members, visitors, and employees to come into this quiet, sacred place to find rest, hope and healing for their souls. "Christ, Our Healer"—Paradise Valley Hospital, National City, Calif. Paradise Valley Hospital (PVH) has bronzed its mission statement, set front and center for all to experience, understand, and enjoy. "Christ, Our Healer," located in the middle of the circular drive at the main entrance to the hospital, features a larger-than-life figure of Christ helping to care for a baby resting in his mother’s lap. Another child is at her side. The concept for "Christ, Our Healer"—a 1,500-pound sculpture created by Alan Collins—originated in the 1980s. Dedicated in 1991, this project was funded by donations from employees, medical staff and friends, coordinated through the hospital’s foundation. “We want all who pass by it—physicians, employees, volunteers, patients, and guests—to feel beckoned and reassured by this visual portrayal of our Christian identity and spiritual mission, regardless of personal philosophy or belief,” said Terry Hansen, PVH president and CEO. "The Christ of Kern County"—San Joaquin Community Hospital, Bakersfield, Calif. This large, framed mural, featuring Christ among scenery of the San Joaquin Valley, is prominently displayed in the main lobby of San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH). Another painting by Elfred Lee, "The Christ of Kern County" was commissioned by the hospital in 1987. While the 10-by-15-foot mural is displayed prominently in the hospital’s main lobby, it’s also close to the hearts of SJCH’s caregivers. Pocket-sized “Survival Kits,” featuring a reproduction of "The Christ of Kern County," have been given to employees over the years. The cards feature a segment of the painting, incorporate inspirational texts from the Bible, list Adventist Health’s mission statement and other helpful ‘stress-busters.’ “People comment on "The Christ of Kern County" all the time,” said Sandy Wyman, SJCH director of pastoral care. “Positive feedback from employees also was received from our most recent spiritual life survey. We’ve also recently purchased 15 prints by artist Nathan Greene to display in various units.” Creative methods of illustrating Adventist Health’s mission of sharing God’s love by providing physical, mental, and spiritual healing is helping reach individual hearts for eternity.

Art Illustrates Adventist Health's Mission

Most corporations write their mission statements on paper and file them away, often leaving customers unaware of the company’s purpose and driving force. At Adventist Health, however, mission is evident throughout its facilities. “The deliberate placement of icons and art within Adventist Health facilities illustrates our commitment to sharing God’s love and communicating the healing ministry of Christ,” explained Wayne Judd, assistant vice president of mission and planning at Adventist Health. “Especially in this ‘experience economy,’ we seek to provide our patients, visitors, and employees with whole-person care—aesthetically pleasing environments, compassionate care, and enriching encounters.” Featured below are examples of our mission illustrated at Adventist Health.

"The Christ of Portland"—Adventist Medical Center, Portland, Ore.

In the quietness of Adventist Medical Center’s (AMC) chapel, patients and family members find comfort and healing. They also will find Jesus, his arms outstretched in love and acceptance. Elfred Lee’s painting, “The Christ of Portland,” located in the hospital’s chapel, uplifts Christ and symbolizes to all who view it that He is the center of the facility.

From whatever point the viewers stand, they have a feeling of being at the feet of Jesus with nothing between. The 10-by-20-foot mural, commissioned in 1980, departed from tradition by showing the nails used in crucifying Christ penetrating at the wrists where bones were strong enough to hold Jesus up, instead of the palms—consistent with archaeological findings.

“The Christ of Portland" is a wonderful reminder to all who visit our chapel that Christ and His healing are the center of our hospital,” stated Deryl Jones, AMC president and CEO. “It is also unique to our area, featuring Mt. Hood in the skyline, which can also be viewed from our hospital site.”

"Garden of Eden"—Castle Medical Center, Kailua, Hawaii

Hawaii’s soaring Ko’olaus Mountains and lush vegetation are depicted on a custom-designed, stained-glass mural located in Castle Medical Center’s chapel. Some believe it to be the warm spring of the Castle “mana” (spirit). Inspiration for Hawaii’s "Garden of Eden" was drawn from the state motto: “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness,” and Isaiah 42:12—“Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim His praise in the islands.”

Nearly 2,000 hand-cut pieces of slab glass comprise this breathtaking 8-by-18-foot mural, meticulously designed and constructed by Clinton W. Conley, art instructor for more than 30 years at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, and assisted by student employees of the former Rio Glass Works in Healdsburg, Calif.

The backlit mural’s natural scenery and soothing sounds of a water fountain invite patients, family members, visitors, and employees to come into this quiet, sacred place to find rest, hope and healing for their souls.

"Christ, Our Healer"—Paradise Valley Hospital, National City, Calif.

Paradise Valley Hospital (PVH) has bronzed its mission statement, set front and center for all to experience, understand, and enjoy. "Christ, Our Healer," located in the middle of the circular drive at the main entrance to the hospital, features a larger-than-life figure of Christ helping to care for a baby resting in his mother’s lap. Another child is at her side.

The concept for "Christ, Our Healer"—a 1,500-pound sculpture created by Alan Collins—originated in the 1980s. Dedicated in 1991, this project was funded by donations from employees, medical staff and friends, coordinated through the hospital’s foundation.

“We want all who pass by it—physicians, employees, volunteers, patients, and guests—to feel beckoned and reassured by this visual portrayal of our Christian identity and spiritual mission, regardless of personal philosophy or belief,” said Terry Hansen, PVH president and CEO.

"The Christ of Kern County"—San Joaquin Community Hospital, Bakersfield, Calif.

This large, framed mural, featuring Christ among scenery of the San Joaquin Valley, is prominently displayed in the main lobby of San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH). Another painting by Elfred Lee, "The Christ of Kern County" was commissioned by the hospital in 1987.

While the 10-by-15-foot mural is displayed prominently in the hospital’s main lobby, it’s also close to the hearts of SJCH’s caregivers. Pocket-sized “Survival Kits,” featuring a reproduction of "The Christ of Kern County," have been given to employees over the years. The cards feature a segment of the painting, incorporate inspirational texts from the Bible, list Adventist Health’s mission statement and other helpful ‘stress-busters.’

“People comment on "The Christ of Kern County" all the time,” said Sandy Wyman, SJCH director of pastoral care. “Positive feedback from employees also was received from our most recent spiritual life survey. We’ve also recently purchased 15 prints by artist Nathan Greene to display in various units.”

Creative methods of illustrating Adventist Health’s mission of sharing God’s love by providing physical, mental, and spiritual healing is helping reach individual hearts for eternity.

Featured in: February 2005