Inova Alexandria Cancer Center
Alexandria, Virginia
Timeline: February – April 2014
Judith Fillmore, cancer patient extraordinaire, wanted to make a donation to the Inova Cancer Center to say thank you to the staff who had taken such good care of her. She wanted to present the Cancer Center with a gift of art that would offer current and future patients beautiful views of nature while receiving treatment.
During our initial tour of Inova Alexandria Cancer Center, Distinctive Art Source was struck by the number of 5 x 7 postcards featuring beautiful photographs that were sitting on tables and ledges throughout the Center. Upon inquiry, we found these were photo cards sent to the staff by previous patients. Wow! We immediately recognized this as a perfect patient / art connection and suggested we work with former patients / talented photographers and select the new artwork for the Center from their portfolios
DAS contacted the photographers and found neither of them had ever sold their work. Karen Fitch and John Fitch (unrelated) were both delighted and moved with the opportunity to share their talents with fellow cancer patients. The idea that their photography might help bring joy to fellow patients during their treatment journey was overwhelming. The staff was delighted to know they would be surrounded by larger versions of the photo gifts from patients previously received as note cards.
Working with both artists to select a collection of images was a pleasure. We were able to combine their photographs to create a reception area photo collage featuring local flora and fauna, as well as make additional selections for corridor and patient exam room art.