The Clinical Center Art Program began in 1984 with the intention of purchasing artwork for the outpatient clinics in the new addition to the Clinical Center, the Ambulatory Care and Research Facility (ACRF). Original art that had been commissioned for one of the clinics arrived before construction was completed. The decision was made to install it in a public area on the first floor until the clinic was ready. When the artwork finally moved to its permanent location, the Clinical Center Director, Dr. John Decker suggested continuation of the temporary exhibits. So, the art program expanded its role to include a series of changing art exhibits.

Additional galleries were created as it became evident there was a need for art in the hospital environment. Gallery Two, located in the Phlebotomy waiting area, shows work that is soothing and realistic in nature to help divert attention from what can be a stressful procedure. Lipsett Gallery, on the other hand, is in a research portion of the hospital, just outside Lipsett Amphitheater. Researchers and visitors attending lectures and Grand Rounds can enjoy exhibits of abstracts and other more challenging subject matter. Our three sculpture cases measure 35" x 71" x 28" high, 28" x 26" x 28" high and
22" x 22" x 14" high.

The exhibition philosophy also focuses on working with the local arts community, from individuals to larger organizations and societies including Strathmore Hall, Spectrum Gallery, Pyramid Atlantic, Maryland Printmakers, and the National Capital Art Glass Guild. For several years exhibits traveled from the National Academy of Sciences to the Lipsett Gallery.

Another focus has been thematic exhibitions. Examples include the "Educational Series" which explored the teacher/student relationship, "Printmaking as a process", "Art & Healing", "The Creative Process" showing how painters set up a painting, and "Met on the Net", an international exhibit featuring artists who "met" through conversations over the Internet. Last fall was a return to the Art and Healing theme with a major exhibit of artists and designers who have attended the Corcoran College of Art and Design, "Inspiration: Images of Art and Healing".

The Clinical Center Galleries offer a unique public art program within a government research facility. The unusual demands of the Clinical Center are a challenge, but also offer a powerful opportunity to reach out to the community of patients, staff and visitors that come to the NIH. In Gallery One, we exhibited an artist who had been a patient at NIH for seven years. He had studied watercolor in college only to return to it years later when he became ill. While being treated at the Clinical Center he spent countless hours walking the corridors to familiarizing himself with every work of art in the hospital. His hope to exhibit in the Clinical Galleries was realized in a beautiful one-person show. In another gallery, a member of the nursing staff has had an exhibition. She was inspired to take night classes in studio arts after spending years walking through the galleries on her way to and from work. She has also exhibited several paintings in a group show.