Phoebe is enhancing patient and visitor experiences through the power of art. The recently completed first phase of artwork installations in the new Trauma & Critical Care Tower on Phoebe’s main campus highlights the creativity and talent of Albany-area artists, including members of the Albany Museum of Art Teen Art Board (TAB).

“When planning the artwork for our new tower, we didn’t want to rely on stock art. As a community hospital serving Albany and the surrounding region, we wanted the artwork to reflect our community,” said Tom Sullivan, Phoebe Vice President of Property, Construction & Special Projects.

The Albany Museum of Art TAB, a leadership group for high school students passionate about using art to make a difference, contributed a special piece titled Nature’s Dance, inspired by the healing properties of nature. The students carefully designed the piece, which is displayed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit family waiting area, to bring comfort and peace to patients and their families.

“We are incredibly proud to see the students’ work displayed in a space where it can provide joy and a sense of calm to those going through difficult times,” said Annie Vanoteguem, Albany Museum of Art Director of Education & Public Programming.

In addition to student artwork, Phoebe partnered with local professional artists to further enhance its healing environment. Mitch Mercer contributed Arboreal Cathedral, a striking painting inspired by his time hiking the Appalachian Trail in north Georgia with his wife. Known for his depictions of trees and dogs, Mercer believes trees symbolize life and resilience – qualities that resonate deeply in a hospital setting.

“The beautiful thing about art is that you can make it whatever you want. I hope my painting evokes happiness and provides a moment of escape for patients, families, and staff. I want them to lose themselves in the colors and find peace in the details,” said Mercer.

Mercer’s work was commissioned after Phoebe Foundation Director Parker Douglas reached out with a vision for artwork in the NICU. The painting took Mercer several weeks to complete, with each brushstroke carefully crafted to create an immersive and uplifting experience. 

“Trees are a symbol of life—rooted in strength, growing with hope, and reaching toward the future. Like the trees that stand tall and strong, offering shelter and hope, this NICU is a place where the tiniest lives take root, grow, and thrive,” said Mercer.

In addition to Mercer and the Teen Art Board, the Trauma & Critical Care Tower features work produced by well-known local artists Deidre Allegood, Brandy Dew, Steve Hinton, Lisa Lanier, Rob Matre and Al Seely. Matre’s mixed media piece called The Good Life City highlights Albany landmarks. It will soon be reproduced, with prints available for purchase in Phoebe’s gift shop to offer the public a chance to take home a piece of the hospital’s artistic transformation.

Other artists will be featured at Phoebe in the future. Phase 2 of the tower project includes reconstructing the previous Emergency Center and connecting it with the new Emergency & Trauma Center. When it opens next year, Phoebe will incorporate work from additional artists to continue fostering an atmosphere of healing, hope, and community connection through art.