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Bonner General Health - Art for the Soul
The Art for the Soul program enhances the hospital experience for patients, staff and visitors. Bonner General is considered to have the largest collection of fine art in North Idaho. Sandpoint has a very active artist community, so the collection concentrates on local art. The hospital initially used grant funds to purchase art when a small group of women initiated the program in 1999. Since then, the program has been self-sustaining through gifts from residents and very generous artists.
What is it?
The Art for the Soul program enhances the hospital experience for patients, staff and visitors. Bonner General is considered to have the largest collection of fine art in North Idaho. Sandpoint has a very active artist community, so the collection concentrates on local art. The hospital initially used grant funds to purchase art when a small group of women initiated the program in 1999. Since then, the program has been self-sustaining through gifts from residents and very generous artists.
Who is it for?
Hospital patients, visitors and staff.
Why do they do it?
Studies about the impact of art in the hospital environment show that patients have experienced reduced stress and anxiety, have an increased tolerance of pain, decreased blood pressure and a shortened length of stay.
Impact
Hospital facilities currently display 520 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and quilts. A collection of art created by local elementary schoolchildren also is displayed.
Contact: Terri Fortner
Executive Director, Community Development & Foundation
Telephone: 208-265-3390
Email: terri.fortner@bonnergeneral.org
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