Staff and donors swapped their phones and laptops for crayons and paint brushes in a unique Creative Engagement Workshop, contributing directly to one of the new permanent public art installations at the new St. Paul’s Hospital.
Lens Clouds by Vancouver-based artist Adad Hannah is part of the public art program at the new St. Paul’s Hospital, made possible thanks to a $4-million donation by the Audain Foundation.
The installation is inspired by lenticular clouds and lenses, like the lenses in our eyes and the microscopes we use in research and health care. Each lens panel will feature art from Strathcona elementary school students and teachers, Providence staff, and donors.
“I wanted to make a project that would bring the community into the space and be there for the community when they find themselves at the hospital,” says Adad.
Lens Clouds rendering and concepts. The layout of the lens panels is partly influenced by the Caduceus health care symbol.
Exploring creativity in nature
The Creative Engagement Workshop first introduced participants to the drawing fundamentals through easy, step-by-step instructions led by artist Katarina (Kat) Thorsen.
Sunday Ayinde, Administrative Assistant to Mission, Spiritual Health and Pastoral Care, Volunteer Services
“The session is like a beautiful convergence of hearts and healing. It’s a very unique opportunity to explore my creativity. Just like what we have in St. Paul’s now, I envision something bigger and better at the new hospital!”
Rachel Jones, Spiritual Health Practitioner
“As a member of the Spiritual Health & Pastoral Care team’s Arts-Based Spiritual Care program at St. Paul’s Hospital, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to care for my own spirit while contributing to a beautiful communal installation at the new site.”
Using a variety of colors and materials, participants painted their own lens cloud art, inspired by local biodiversity. Paintings will be scanned and printed onto transparent panels that will be hung together in the atrium. Visitors will be able to scan a QR-code to learn more about the story behind each image and find details about the community engagement process.
Elder Xwechtaal Dennis Joseph
“The workshop was amazing. I loved the opportunity to move free form and incorporate what I view as healing colours into my work. I learned primarily from my mom, that green is a healing colour. And now I think science has caught up to that. She said if you’re feeling sick, go out in the woods, stare at green.”
Cindy Wang, Project Manager, Clinical Equipment Planning on the New St. Paul’s Hospital Project
“I went to an art school growing up, but when I was deciding my major, I went into engineering instead. I forgot how much I enjoyed painting. It’s a good reminder that drawing has that healing power.”
Karen Lai, St. Paul’s Foundation Donor
“I do a lot of realistic art but doing abstract art – there’s no boundaries. I’m glad I have the privilege to be involved. It’s a very meaningful project”
Public art at the new St. Paul’s Hospital
This Lens Cloud piece is just one of many beautiful artworks in an extensive art program at the new St. Paul’s Hospital. It’s part of a broader effort to thoughtfully integrate art into the new hospital – not as an afterthought, but as a core element of how we shape care environments that reflect our mission and serve the needs of the people we care for.
“At Providence, our mission is rooted in compassionate care,” says Francis Maza, Vice President, Mission, Ethics & Spirituality. “Art is an integral part of how we live out that mission. It helps us foster reflection, support emotional well-being, open space for connection, and remind us of our shared humanity.”
