We believe the experience of healing extends far beyond medical treatment alone. At City of Hope’s Outpatient Center in Duarte, California, a thoughtfully curated art program serves as an integrated component of recovery—creating meaningful moments of beauty, reflection, and joy for patients and everyone supporting them along their journey.

 

“Transforming Care”, “Breaking Through” and “Advancing Hope” by Tom Owen.

 

An Added Dimension to Well-Being

 

Beginning in July 2022, KBAA embarked on a collaborative journey with City of Hope to create an environment that nurtures patients throughout every stage of their treatment process. From the moment patients walk through the doors, they enter a space meticulously designed with healing in mind—where art becomes an active participant in their recovery journey.

Our comprehensive art program—featuring 65 custom commissions and over 300 carefully selected pieces—transforms the space into a sanctuary of healing and hope. Understanding that many patients spend several days each week at the facility during their recovery, we focused on creating layered visual experiences that offer new discoveries with each visit and around every corner. As an homage to the incredible community of Duarte, playful colors and natural forms create points of connection and conversation throughout the facility—subtle references to the elements of health and harmony.

 

Luisa Urrejola’s Diptychs using mixed media on clear methacrylate.

 

The Soothing Power of Nature

 

The surrounding landscape of Duarte provided rich inspiration for the art program. The Old San Gabriel Canyon Road Trail connects communities along its 39-mile path and encompasses stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Along these trails, visitors find solace and renewal among rugged slopes, blooming yucca, flowering bushes, mountain wildflowers, and vibrant California poppies.

We carefully incorporated these natural influences throughout the art program. Commissioned original pieces inspired by the surroundings are thoughtfully layered into the visual experience of City of Hope with natural forms that promote relaxation, health, and well-being.

 

“Forest” by Rosa Inés Vera offers a semi-abstract representation of the beauty of nature, providing visual respite and a moment of peaceful reflection within the healthcare setting.

 

The art program creates a visual dialogue with the landscape, drawing meaningful relationships between interior spaces and the external environment. This approach brings the soothing qualities of Duarte’s natural surroundings inside the facility, allowing patients to experience the restorative power of nature. Cool, calming colors relax the mind while thoughtful interactions between art and architecture balance and embrace those seeking care at City of Hope.

 

A series of three limited edition prints by artist Cassie Suche brings organic patterns and soothing colors to the space, creating visual rhythm and movement.

 

The Height of Inspiration

 

Creating this healing environment required extensive collaboration between KBAA, City of Hope’s leadership team, architects, and a diverse group of talented artists. The signature suspended ceiling sculpture by Ball-Nogues Studio exemplifies this partnership—seamlessly integrating art with architecture. The result is a breathtaking installation that redefines the environment, demonstrating how art can elevate everyday spaces into extraordinary experiences.

The organic forms cascade from great heights, evoking a sense of energy and playfulness while creating moments of wonder that connect patients, visitors, and staff through shared experience. The dynamic nature of the piece changes as natural light interacts with the installation, offering new perspectives with each viewing.

This commitment to artistic excellence permeates the entire facility, with each piece carefully selected to create cohesion and meaning in alignment with City of Hope’s mission of compassionate care and innovative treatment. Throughout the center, art serves as a reminder of beauty and possibility—essential elements in the healing journey that complement the exceptional medical care provided at City of Hope.

 

Ball-Nogues Studio’s dynamic installation of over 25,000 feet of aluminum bead chain, titled “While Sifting through a Me Dream,” creates a stunning focal point that transforms the space.

 

At Kevin Barry Art Advisory, we believe art and design in healthcare spaces create environments that support the healing journey. To learn more about our art program at the City of Hope Outpatient Center in Duarte, California, settle in with our newest edition of ELEVATE magazine by KBAA.