The HOPE sign helps spring enthusiasm at the Schar Center at Inova Fairfax.
At the Schar Center at Inova Fairfax, there is hope for cancer patients not only in the medical breakthroughs and technology at the center to fight cancer, but hope also comes in the shape of a sign in the lobby constructed of inspirational pictures and messages from patients who passed through the center.
Members of the Artist-in-Residence worked with patients, staff, family members and caregivers to put together a
large collage on the HOPE letters. Participants were able to take materials home or work on-site to express themselves. Tinu Prakash is one of the Artists in Residence who contributed to the project with a portrait of Jennifer Bires, a leader who recognized the value of the arts to reduce burn-out amongst the staff at the Schar. Another square of art was by Kailey, age 13, who drew a nurse with a Superman shirt, saying that the medical and essential workers were the "unsung heroes."
Another picture called "Lemons, Oranges, and Limes, Oh My!" was a still-life painting of fruit in a bowl but this idea came from a visitor who brought a backpack of fresh fruit from his yard in California. His father was a patient at Schar that loved going to the yard and picking the fresh fruit when he was visiting. "All that good fruit must have done something, the surgeon said they got all the cancer - no chemo needed," he said.
It all started at the Smith Center Artists in Residence Program at Inova Schar Cancer Institute where everyone affected by cancer in some way created this sculpture “intended to focus on gratitude, hope and healing. They invite everyone to participate, no art skills needed.
The HOPE sign does get noticed too. Many times when patients see their own artwork or the artwork of others incorporated into this larger symbol, it provides comfort and reminds them they're not alone in their journey.
Inova continuously adds new pieces based on patient needs, newly acquired works, and evolving ideas about creating healing spaces so the art program ensures the environment at the center remains fresh and responsive to the community.