Client: Scripps MD Anderson - Prebys Cancer Center

Overview

The Tree of Hope is an award winning art installation created by MFA artist, Barbara Westfall. Her Tree of Hope project received the 2023 CODAawards Top 100, an honor prsented by an esteemed jury panel, as one of 2023’s most successful art projects that integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural, or public spaces. Located in the lobby of Scripps Medical Prebys Cancer Center — a clinically integrated cancer care program that treats patients throughout San Diego, California. Scripps Medical worked with art consultant Aesthetics, Inc. to commission Barbara to design and fabricate a life-size fused glass and metal tree, with hope as the overriding theme.

The Tree of Hope energizes this healing environment while welcoming patients, staff, and visitors with a beautiful tree that celebrates cancer survival. Scattered throughout the tree’s branches are 20 individual colorful cancer ribbons made of painted metal to raise awareness of the particular types of cancers and provide hope for those facing treatment. Cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, and those working for a cure, often wear ribbons as a symbol in the fight against this disease.

Goals

The goal for the commissioned artwork is to provide cancer patients, healthcare workers, and administrative staff with a beautiful art glass installation to inspire healing, promote cancer survival, and bring the beauty of nature inside the clinic lobby.

Process

Aesthetics, Inc. represented Barbara Westfall Art Glass Design and guided the team seamlessly throughout the process. Aesthetics, Inc. assists organizations in the physical expression of their mission, vision, and values through art and design. The consultants help guide both the artist and the healthcare client in selecting the perfect theme, materials, and color for the art commission. The project began with 6 color sketches for client selection. Prototype glass leaves were created by the artist for approval by the client. Once the design and dimensions of the Tree of Hope were agreed upon, the artist worked with CAD developers to create a scale drawing set into the architects' elevation plans. Custom laser-cut metal fabrication of the cancer ribbons was approved and fabricated. The artist created all of the large-scale green tree leaves by hand, fusing them twice in the kiln to bend the glass into naturalistic forms. The artist backed the tree trunk with stainless steel, to provide support for the glass, able to withstand custodial room cleaning. Hang Your Glass system was used with custom locking standoffs. The art took five months to make and installed in 6 hours. The Tree of Hope is well received. Patients and staff enjoy taking photos of themselves with the life-size tree.