Redmond and Makervillage team up to create Art Garden

Redmond Regional Medical Center and Makervillage will create a permanent art installation atop the sunken rooftop in the center of the hospital.

Planned for late spring, the “Art Garden” will be visible from 53 interior rooms on four floors, including the intensive care unit. The art installation will serve as an encouragement and comfort to room-bound patients and their visitors.

The project involves multiple collaborations with regional artists and organizations. The centerpiece of the garden will be a 16-foot metal tree made by artist Erica Parson, with 10,000 leaves made of recycled mylar material and cut by local student and community volunteers.

A knitted and crocheted flower bed covering the majority of the rooftop will be created by members of Rome Knitterati.

Finally, an inspiring mural will feature both a daytime and nighttime scene to be experienced during any portion of the roundthe-clock care of the hospital.

“We can’t wait to realize an innovative use for this architectural feature on top of our building,” said Andrea Pitts, Redmond Marketing Director. “We believe that art and beauty have the power to enhance patient experience within the hospital.”

Makervillage Inc. in coordination with Redmond, will provide several opportunities to allow for community participation in creating portions of the project.

There are many ways for the community to participate. Used mylar balloons can be placed in collection bins in the two main hospital lobbies. A flower crochet and knit kit is available for Redmond visitors or patients looking to contribute during their stay at the hospital.

Contributions to the project can be made online at www.makervillage.org/artgarden. An experiential prototype is on display at Makervillage, 252 N. 5th Avenue.