driven by a passion to positively impact interior environments through highly regarded art pieces created by local artists.
LOCALLY SOURCED & PATIENT SUPPORTIVE
Nancy Witherell Art specializes in providing complete art consulting for healthcare facilities, including selection, acquisition and OSHPD installation. We pride ourselves in complementing evidence-based design with locally sourced, patient supportive art that fulfills our client’s needs. NWA embraces our projects from a heartfelt belief that art heals. This dedication, coupled with NWA’s demonstrated credentials as full-range art consultants for healthcare environments, means that our firm responds to project needs effectively and creatively.
HIGH-VALUE DESIGN THAT WORKS
Artwork is selected to complement and accentuate specified architectural and interior design concepts. We consider how each area of a building is used so we can make sure the art is reflective of individual floor themes and design elements to create an integrated style throughout.
It is also essential that we work realistically within the parameters of resource, budget and schedule. Adhering to the project budget and timeline is always top priority when selecting and sourcing art. At NWA we are known for our sensible approach — one that combines prints, originals and commissions — that maximizes value without compromising the overall artistic vision.
Cookie-cutter solutions won’t do. Our goal is to bring life to the bigger vision, one that is as interesting as the people within the building or community. At NWA we look for creative opportunities to marry passion and practicality.
A FOUNDER WITH HEART
Nancy Witherell deeply appreciates art and understands its healing value. An internationally acclaimed artist, Nancy has pursued her lifelong passion for transformative art from the perspectives of an artist, curator, advocate and consultant.
At the age of 32, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She still has a visceral sense of her time spent in hospitals. Between treating her cancer and her son’s time in surgery and ICU units, she has been privy to 16 surgeries and spent time in five different hospitals. Experiencing the roller coaster of emotions that go hand in hand with treatment and recovery impassioned Nancy to take action to make a difference.
Now a 28-year survivor, her mission is to bring art into healthcare settings and to promote well-being on every level. She knows how a single piece of art, carefully chosen and placed, can bring comfort and serve as a welcome anchor of safety. After 30+ successful art installations in healthcare settings, she has a unique ability to collaborate with committees and artists to bring projects in on budget while meeting the needs of the patients, staff and medical teams that work within these buildings.
OUR PROCESS
IDENTIFY POTENTIAL ARTISTS
From the beginning, we begin to assemble a roster of potential local artists to work with. We assess artists that we already know who might be a good fit, identify established and emerging artists, and tap our broad network for names that might otherwise fly under the radar. This creates the raw material that allows us to begin the interaction with stakeholders about work that may be a good fit for the project.
BUILD CONSENSUS
Our approach to getting consensus from stakeholders when selecting art is collaborative from beginning to end. We pursue imaginative ideas that are co-created with designers and stakeholders alike. The creative process involves receiving input for what works and what doesn’t. From there we modify selections and prepare alternatives. Through this back and forth process of open communication, we create the vision of all stakeholders in a collaborative way that supports the success of the project.
CURATE A SHARED VISION
From our experience, it works best to start with the Wow! spaces. These are the focal points of the facility that present the greatest opportunity for artful impact. With those highly visible pieces decided, we move on to the key rooms and from there work toward tying together the remainder of the facility.
Our goal is to source artwork that is complementary to the zones and regions of a building. We take into consideration the intended look and feel, as well as what types of activities or services take place there. It is vital that the artwork in these areas be reflective of and responsive to the people who will interact with the space.
CONSIDER SPACE AND FUNCTION
From our experience, it works best to start with the Wow! spaces. These are the focal points of the facility that present the greatest opportunity for artful impact. With those highly visible pieces decided, we move on to the key rooms and from there work toward tying together the remainder of the facility.
Our goal is to source artwork that is complementary to the zones and regions of a building. We take into consideration the intended look and feel, as well as what types of activities or services take place there. It is vital that the artwork in these areas be reflective of and responsive to the people who will interact with the space.
STAY ADAPTIVE, FLEXIBLE AND RESPONSIVE
Our firm takes an adaptive, flexible and responsive approach to meeting deadlines. We do whatever we must to ensure we complete our project on time. Any necessary adjustments are promptly and clearly communicated to the client.
A major reason for our success staying on schedule and within budget comes from our open communication. Our strong team is cohesive and mutually supportive and built on a solid foundation of integrity. This gives us the flexibility necessary to handle the unexpected without disruption.
Regular communication with architects, construction crews, installers, the interior design team, stakeholders and anyone else related to getting the project done on time and within budget is an ongoing priority.
MANAGE EACH STEP OF PROJECT
NWA handles all aspects of art purchases, including artist contracts, tax, shipping and delivery. Detailed quotes of chosen art with a breakout of sizes, materials and itemized costs are provided for client reference and project manager sign-off. Once all the details are handled, the specific art is collected and commissioned pieces are created by artists.
We take care of the entire installation process, from shipping, delivery and receipt of art to framing and installing art pieces. Our general and professional liability insurance coverage keeps us accountable for the full installation process. All artwork installations include attribution signage and adhere to recommended and required guidelines for framing, mounting and installation.