Client: Atrium Health

Overview

Ripple, wall of mounted water glass rounds, activates the new Atrium Health Union West Medical Office Building lobby, providing a beautiful, calming space for patients, family, and staff.

Working with the AHUW and Skyline Art project leaders, Jarvi transformed the 18’ by 9’ niche/focal point of the lobby. She created 24 eye catching water-inspired glass rounds (from 2” to 16” in diameter) that stand off (varying depths) from the bright accent wall.

This design meanders with a softer (yet similar) color palette than the artist’s AHUW Emergency Dept. commission. The idea is moving water… with ripples gently flowing. Accents in amber and chartreuse key off interior design elements.

A benefit of Jarvi’s abstract approach to water is different entry points for the viewer based on their experience. Water can have a healing effect on us.

Glass is a versatile and dramatic medium for public art. It’s both ubiquitous and ethereal.

Integral to Atrium Health Union West focus are healing and community, improving Medical Office experience for everyone with original art and design work throughout.

The Medical Office Building and Hospital (where Jarvi has another water glass rounds commission) are beautiful and welcoming spaces for all!

Goals

Intentional gorgeous design and use of original art were the focus of the Atrium Health Union West Medical Office Building and Hospital spaces.

These two glass commissions needed to be stunning… eye-catching from afar and lovely up close.

Both the AHUW wall mounted water glass composites flow across the wall, conjuring memories of water, in both calming and energizing ways.

Client wanted custom art to activate and beautify these spaces, as well as contribute to the healing process, connecting us as humans to one another and nature.

Process

Skyline Art/Jodi Fernandez contacted Carmella Jarvi in early 2021. Fernandez and several Skyline Art folks, met the artist at a Charlotte group show with her glass. They were able to see her work in person, and how it impacts a space.

After the artist was given AHUW renderings, and interior design samples, she explored glass color samples, overall compositions in the space and how to key off the interior plans.

Contract/final glass design/colors/budget were finalized in late summer. After contracts were signed, the artist worked on both AHUW commission glass parts (although one was getting more attention at a time). This creative work included using her vitrigraph kiln for the “hot glass” stringers (the undulating “lines”).

Carmella Jarvi did most of the work and design, with a little help. Her husband/fellow artist/business partner, Chris Craft, assisted with some logistics, and repetitive glass processes.

Jarvi uses Bullseye Glass (Made in OR). Warm Glass (in NC) is her BE supplier, and they pre-cut glass circles too.

Jarvi loves and exclusively uses Hang Your Glass (CA) wall mounts.

Finally, Mitchell Kearney Photography professionally captures her glass installations. Details of two and five rounds were done in his studio.

Additional Information

Jarvi was commissioned by Skyline Art for three large pieces at the same time. (There was a third project for hospital outside of Houston.) Original proposals were 20 rounds, each. Final commissions ended up with more glass rounds.