Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

The Healing Arts Program at Cottage Health Santa Barbara Hospital focuses on the beauty of California’s Central Coast through the inspiration, talent, and expertise of Central Coast artists, in full support of the program’s mission, goals and objectives. The program celebrates a central theme of “The Vibrancy of the Central Coast,” visible in a collection of works by renown local artists. The art themes vary by floor: the first floor features Santa Barbara architecture; the second floor highlights water, ocean, beaches and seascapes; and the third floor shows flora, gardens and landscapes.

Through a Call for Art process, more than 400 Central Coast artists submitted samples of their work and concepts for consideration, and 123 were selected to provide art for the new hospital. Ultimately, more than 1,200 pieces were acquired for the system-wide program, which included the Goleta Valley and Santa Ynez Valley campuses. The wide variety of media selected included sculpture, two- and three-dimensional original commissioned artworks, mixed-media art, glass, mosaics, fabric, and photography. The Landmark Collection highlights 45 pieces that were especially commissioned as focal points. These distinguished pieces are located in the lobby, the gardens, on terraces, in elevator landings, waiting rooms and corridor niches. The balance of the pieces form an integral and vital part of the decor in corridors, patient rooms, and conference and consultation areas.

“Transformational is a word that we frequently use in fundraising because philanthropic dollars have the ability to deepen, enhance, and yes, literally change a program or an organization. Transforming is also a word that I would use to describe the Healing Arts Program at Cottage Health System. It was a journey that started with a bold idea and grew into a program that our hospital and our community has embraced and will sustain for generations to come.” — Carla Long, Director of Planned Giving, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital