The first pieces of art consumers are likely to see at Texas Health Frisco are two large acrylics on steel in the lobby. Texas Health’s Ron Braswell, senior project manager of Facilities Development, Brian Holmes, vice president of Design and Construction and hospital President Brett Lee all had a hand in the art choices.
Pieces Aim to Reduce Stress, Provide Escape
Almost everyone has a favorite piece of art at Texas Health Hospital Frisco, whether it’s for therapeutic purposes or a soothing sense of calm.
For therapists Omo Imafidon, ORT, MOT, Sarah Graff, M.S.-PT, and Rachel Malasig, PT, it’s an abstract print 
on canvas hung across from the fifth floor reception desk.
“A lot of times we take patients to the hallway and walk them,” said Sarah. “It’s beautiful and they enjoy it.”
Omo added, “It gets them standing a little longer, which ultimately helps them recover faster.”
The newly opened hospital’s 60 pieces of art were selected by a committee made up of Texas Heath Resources leaders and representatives of Houston-based Skyline Art, which was chosen to handle the artwork for the building alongside building designers HKS Architects.
“Most all of them are nature-based abstract pieces, an intentional choice,” said Sarah Allred, a Skyline art consultant. “The idea is for the viewer to bring their past experiences to the pieces and interpret individually.”
In the mother-baby unit, nurse Stephanie Cox-Faust, M.S.N., R.N., said her favorite is an original glass mosaic on the first floor titled “Milestone,” by Lauretta Newby Coker, a Choctaw artist from Oklahoma. Each piece of glass or tile is hand-cut.
Luck, creativity and mindfulness
Hospital President Brett Lee particularly likes the huge geodes that sparkle in the hallway leading to the hospital’s café.
“They’re not only beautiful, but provide a central conversation piece and contribute to the ‘non-institutional’ atmosphere that we are working to create at Texas Health Frisco,” he said. “It can be a helpless feeling to seek care in a hospital. These unique environmental features can help to reduce stress and let the patient focus on things other than their illness or injury.”
The geodes came from all over the world: Uruguay, Venezuela, India and Afghanistan. 
Soon, they will have descriptions etched into the glass cases that protect them. The purple amethyst, for example, is said to guard against intoxication from wine or human treachery, while the green fluorite is credited for supporting intellectual achievement, creativity, and mindfulness. The Romans believed the gold citrine, the largest geode at 132 pounds, brought good luck and prosperity.
Brian Holmes, Texas Health vice president of Design and Construction, also was on the committee that helped select the art. He doesn’t have a specific favorite piece, but prefers to look at the way the art complements the building’s design.
“Very early in the design process we zeroed in on the natural elements that existed on the site — large trees, a dry creek bed, interesting rock outcroppings — as a design language for the campus,” he said. “I think those natural elements are inherently comforting to our patients and their families.”
Ron Braswell, senior project manager of Facilities Development, particularly likes an abstract triptych by metal artist Robert Rickard on the second floor. It depicts a stream meandering through a verdant countryside.
“It reminds me of a river I once floated as a child,” he said. “It ties in with the Frisco natural terrain. There are several creeks that run through Frisco. My love for the outdoors is reflected in this art piece.”
The artists came from all over the U.S., including six from Austin, two from Houston, two from Dallas and one from Oklahoma.
A temporary escape for patients
The first pieces visitors to Texas Health Frisco likely will see are two large acrylics on steel by artist Mike Elsass. The pairing could be seen as a landscape of a field with sky above or a view of water with land in the distance.
Some of the most striking works are in the high-traffic areas where patients and families spend the most time waiting. In the first few weeks since the hospital opened, consumers frequently compliment the attention to detail in choosing soothing artwork.
“Even just one thoughtful, original work can provide a distraction and temporary escape for a worried family member,” Sarah said.
By Judy Wiley • Posted February 4, 2020
