Traditionally, hospitals have always been places that resonate an overwhelming feeling of sterility – a place where you go when you’re sick, and hopefully your stay is as short as possible. Outdated hospitals and medical centers still give off that negative vibe, but thankfully these days there are more modern buildings being erected with other missions in mind.
Much like visiting an art gallery, and the inspirational and uplifting feeling that you get upon viewing art, medical centers such as the new Gates Vascular Institute are not only creating contemporary soaring gallery-esque spaces, they are filling them with works of original art that can help to lift the spirits of many who are most likely already uneasy stepping into a medical building.
With that in mind, a new sculpture by artist Shayne Dark (titled “In Motion”) is to be unveiled at the Gates Vascular Institute. The John E. Friedlander memorial sculpture soars high above, drawing people’s gaze to the vaulting ceiling of the institute’s main lobby. “In Motion” is as much light and delicate as it is bold and powerful, anchoring the space perfectly, and creating an instant impression upon visitors as they enter the building.
The work of art was made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of friends, family and colleagues of John E. Friedlander upon his passing. Friedlander not only spearheaded the creation of Kaleida, he was also its first Chief Executive Officer from 1998 – 2001. Friedlander was instrumental in helping to orchestrate the region’s largest health care merger that brought together five hospitals, four nursing homes, seven home care organizations, and five foundations (2,000 physicians and over 13,000 health care employees. “This exquisite sculpture will serve as a unique and enduring tribute to John Friedlander, whose vision and leadership had a major impact on health care in Western New York, and helped lay the foundation for the creation of the Gates Vascular Institute and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus,” remarked Charles E. Balbach, a former Chair of the Buffalo General Board of Trustees, and currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, parent organization of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.