LaFontsee Galleries Selected as Art Consultant for New Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has selected Grand Rapids-based LaFontsee Galleries as the art consultant for its new hospital slated to open in 2011. After a national search, Scott and Linda LaFontsee were appointed to serve as lead art consultants on the project. They will select and create original art developed by and with children to promote healing, instill wellness and communicate quality care at the children’s hospital.

“LaFontsee Galleries understands the significant impact art has on a child,” said Bob Connors, MD, president, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. “Every facet of their proposal demonstrated their commitment to involving children in the development of art for the new hospital. Scott and Linda will help us create an art experience unique to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.”

The scope of the art program includes three elements:

Original artwork created by children for display and rendering into larger pieces
Professional renderings and sculpture
Visual recognition of donors

“Words can’t express how excited we are to be part of the new Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital,” said Scott LaFontsee. “Art has a proven value in the healing process. The chance to create space with art for children, families and even caregivers is an awesome opportunity and something we’re experienced at doing. ”

The working relationship between LaFontsee Galleries and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has already begun. LaFontsee staff is meeting with various members of the children’s hospital team, taking tours to get a feel for the hospital and developing a strategy to help weave art into the design of the hospital.

“Art is something we’re very passionate about,” said Linda LaFontsee “We’re excited to work together with the children’s hospital staff to create an environment that makes children, families and staff feel good. Art can impact a child in countless ways. The possibilities are endless.”

LaFontsee Galleries is a premier gallery and framing business, and won the ArtServe Governor’s Award for arts and culture in 2004 and On-The-Town magazine’s award for ” Best Art Gallery” 14 times.

Scott is a founding member of the Grand Rapids Gallery Association where he served as board president for five years and is currently the vice president. He served on The Kendall College of Art and Design foundation board for four years and the ArtServe Michigan selection committee for art and artist grants. He is a founding board member of the Monroe North Business Association and has served on the board for Very Special Arts. Scott has published numerous articles about art and framing, including ” Artful Living” in Cosmopolitan Home Magazine.

As a visual artist on the local, regional and national level, Linda has a developed eye for detail, color, movement, line and order that addresses every design problem and informs every design solution. She received the YWCA Tribute Award for Business in 2005, and now serves on the selections committee for both the YWCA Tribute Award as well as the Gerald R. Ford Commemorative Sculpture. Linda is a board member of the Humane Society of Kent County and has served as co-chair of UICA’s annual Live Coverage event, as a committee member for Gilda’s Club, and has exhibited in numerous local and regional solo and group shows.

The 14-floor, 444,000 square feet, 206-bed, $286 million children’s hospital will dramatically change the skyline on Michigan Street’s “Medical Mile” in Grand Rapids. Supported by nearly $103 million in generous community support, special features of the new hospital include:

A child-friendly atmosphere designed to make kids feel comfortable and safe in a hospital dedicated exclusively for children
A healing environment celebrating the region’s natural beauty of water, land, sky and sun
An outdoor garden accessible from the main lobby
Spacious, private inpatient rooms where parents may stay overnight
Room for play and entertainment to foster healing and hope
Quiet spaces and a chapel for all faiths
Dedicated emergency department, and operating and recovery rooms just for children

Learn more about the new hospital at devoschildrens.org/2011.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is West Michigan’s largest children’s hospital, serving children and families throughout a 37-county region. A teaching hospital, it includes more than 150 pediatric specialty physicians uniquely skilled in providing medical and surgical care to children in more than 40 pediatric specialties. The hospital cares for more than 7,600 inpatients and 190,000 outpatients annually. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is committed to caring for children and families with compassion, excellence and innovation.