Scripps Encinitas seeks sponsors for Healing Arts Collection pieces

The days of the white-walled hospital are long gone, as research has shown art can help patients and families in the healing process.

Looking to bring more color to the hospital and raise funds for expansion efforts, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas is inviting the community to view renderings of artwork and sponsor the pieces on Aug. 27, during the Healing Arts Collection at Scripps Encinitas, held at Make in Carlsbad.

Once completed, the art pieces will be displayed in family waiting areas and corridors at the Leichtag Foundation Critical Care Pavilion at Scripps Encinitas.

“Any kind of stress that our patients experience is not good,” said Dr. Randall Goskowicz, anesthesiologist and medical director of the operating room at Scripps Encinitas. “All of these works will be from artists that are concentrating on local themes. That’s going to enhance people’s sense of comfort when they come into this facility.”

From carvings and paintings to mosaics and sculptures, the collection includes 29 original installations showcasing images of nature and serenity that are reflective of North San Diego County scenery.

“When you’re in the hospital, you’re usually under a lot of stress, whether you’re a patient, family or friend,” said Encinitas philanthropist Paul Ecke III. “Art has a healing aspect to it. There’s already artwork at Scripps Encinitas, but this would bring a whole bunch more. Artwork is a positive for the hospital and the hospital grounds.”

Ecke has a long history of giving back to Encinitas and the greater San Diego region.

He became actively involved with the campaign for Scripps Encinitas about five years ago, championing fundraising efforts to support the construction of what is now known as the Leichtag Foundation Critical Care Pavilion. Opened in 2014, the critical-care building includes a new 26-bed emergency department and inpatient rooms at Scripps Encinitas.

The 72,321-square-foot Leichtag Foundation Critical Care Pavilion is the centerpiece of the hospital’s $94 million second phase of expansion, which also includes a new central energy plant, new medical imaging technology and various infrastructure improvements on and around the medical campus.

After a close friend of Ecke’s had a heart attack and was treated at Scripps Encinitas, Ecke remained involved in the hospital’s fundraising, now with an even clearer purpose in mind.

“Those are the kind of things that open up your eyes,” said Ecke, who serves on the community advisory board and the kitchen cabinet of the community advisory board at Scripps Encinitas. “When I was younger, I didn’t care about hospitals or medical care. You’re invincible. You’re never going to die. As you get a little older, you realize health care actually is important.

“I’m glad to be involved then and I’m glad to be involved now.”

By sponsoring a signature piece of the Healing Arts Collection, donors will support the addition of new, inspiring artwork for the hospital as well as its expansion efforts. Sponsorship for each piece begins at $25,000.

Solana Beach artist Christie Beniston specializes in creating art for public spaces, such as her large-scale mosaics and sculptures along Highway 101 and at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Flower Hill Promenade and Rady Children’s Hospital. She also designed a fountain mosaic at Scripps Encinitas.

Listed at $200,000, Beniston’s proposed piece for Scripps Encinitas is another fountain mosaic called “Endless Knot.” The abstract pattern weaves in and out of a diagonal “knot,” representing continuity, longevity and resilience, she said.

“All throughout my career, but especially at this point, it’s been really important for me to create work with meaning,” said Beniston, who has lived in Solana Beach since 1995.

“Public art changes the space and the way you feel about the space that you’re in. I think in a healing environment, it’s so important to create those areas where you can just be and reflect.”

Encinitas artist Deanne Sabeck creates sculptural installations of light, using glass that is bent, cast and sometimes etched with text or imagery.

Already funded for $50,000, Sabeck’s glass and steel sculpture will feature an infinity symbol “signifying the infinite wisdom and connection of the mind, body and soul to heal itself.”

“I firmly believe that art has a lot of power in helping people keep a positive attitude, which is really important for any kind of trauma or healing,” said Sabeck, a 25-year Encinitas resident, who has previously installed art at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. “The mind-body connection is really significant when dealing with health issues.”

With the event just weeks away, doctors, nurses and staff are also getting involved.

Goskowicz, who has been an anesthesiologist at Scripps Encinitas since 1999, has participated in the hospital’s philanthropic efforts for years. He also helped raise funds for the critical-care building.

“Now that we’re raising money for the operating room, which is nearer and dearer to my heart, it’s an obvious choice to be involved,” he said.

Goskowicz’s medical group, Anesthesia Service Medical Group, is sponsoring one of the paintings, which will be displayed near the operating room.

“We are a community hospital. This is our place,” said Goskowicz, a Carmel Valley resident whose children and parents have been treated at the hospital. “My goal has always been to not lose that close community-feel to our facility, while at the same time, enhance our capabilities.”

The event will take place from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Make office campus, formerly the Floral Trade Center, at 5600 Avenida Encinas in Carlsbad. Registration is required for the event.

“This is a way for people to get involved,” Ecke said. “People don’t always think about hospitals and emergency care. But when you need the medical services of your local hospital, which for me and many of my neighbors is Scripps Encinitas, that’s the only thing that matters. That’s why I’m passionate about it. I don’t ever want to go there as a patient, but boy, am I glad that they’ve got great facilities and great staff.”

To RSVP, call 760-633-7772 or visit www.scrippshealingarts.com/rsvp.