Submitted by MultiCare Foundations
At MultiCare Capital Women’s Integrated Primary Care, striking landscapes hang beside colorful shapes and patterns in the lobby. Mesmerizing canvas portraits sit behind the front desk. Prints and photos adorn every patient exam room.
The Olympia clinic was abuzz after-hours on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, as nearly 100 guests gathered to experience the new donor-powered art collection curated and beautifully displayed by Lara Anderson, founder and principal designer at Red Door Interiors.
Attendees also celebrated what happens when advocates and generous community members come together in the name of women’s health.
The donor-supported clinic opened in July 2023 to provide primary care to women of all ages, as well as rotating medical specialists and support services. It features 12 exam rooms, two procedure rooms and has already grown from five primary care providers to now offering 29.
“All of us here are so passionate about our women’s health center,” MultiCare Capital Medical Center board chair Stephen Snow, MD, said.
MultiCare Capital Medical Center president Will Callicoat was in attendance and heralded the many women responsible for the clinic’s launch. Angela J. Bowen, MD, originally saw a need for accessible women’s health care in the late 1970s and helped open the Thurston County hospital. Capital Medical surgeon Monica Young, MD, picked up that effort two years ago by convening an advisory council to identify a vision for women’s health in the community.
“That vision also included a welcoming and healing environment that includes art,” Callicoat shared. “Just as an artist can put paint on a canvas, it’s beautiful to see this vision come into focus based on their work.”
Eight Olympia-based artists — Sandra Bocas, Suzana Bulatovic, Paula Glaser, Celery Jones, Julie Kluh, Aimee Schreiber, Mia Schulte and Julie Simpson — contributed original work to fill the clinic’s walls, totaling over 40 different installations. Each was on hand to share about their work.
“As an artist and part of the community, I was excited to have my work be a part of this building,” Simpson explained. “I want my work in this space to create a form of calm and a sense of inspiration and hope.”
MultiCare Capital Foundation — which provides philanthropic support for the nonprofit hospital — Founding Committee members Kathryn and Kevin Ekar sponsored the clinic’s art installation.
“We both felt honored that we could (…) put the finishing touch on Dr. Bowen’s vision,” Kathryn shared. “Our wish is everyone who enters will find enjoyment in every unique creative piece that has been chosen.”
Guests met the artists, walked the halls and peered into rooms that now feature original artwork. Many providers were also present to answer questions and talk more about MultiCare’s mission of partnering for healing and a healthy future.
MultiCare Capital Foundation Executive Director Cecelia Loveless pointed to the one-of-a-kind experience attendees enjoyed.
“This is really unique to be able to walk through a clinic and see the art and feel what a patient feels like when they’re here, and also to have the providers here to welcome you to this space,” she said.
With the support of generous donors, Loveless has helped the Foundation raise over $400,000 in the last year to support the clinic and increase access to health care across Thurston County.
Prints will continue to be on display in the clinic’s exam rooms, while the lobby artwork will be rotated on a regular basis.
Like many present, Kathryn Ekar left the gallery showcase feeling inspired.
“We were thrilled to see all the diverse members of our community there to support the new women’s clinic and view the art,” she said. “Capital Women’s Integrated Primary Care enriches the value of our region and women’s health. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to benefit our community.”
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