Artist Unveils The Gratitude Project at Lancaster Medical Center
“The root of gratitude is joy and the root of joy is undeniable, unconditional and unwavering love. Love has given us the power, the courage and the bravery to face the biggest mountains. Our gratitude is a reflection of the posture of our hearts. It’s how we manage to stand together in the face of crisis and adversity. It is what plants our feet on solid ground.” -Shelby Wormley
Photographer Shelby Wormley, of Lancaster, unveiled The Gratitude Project at Lancaster Medical Center to a welcoming crowd eagerly anticipating the result of months of creative work. According to Shelby, the project captures and memorializes the stories of our healthcare workers while they navigated a global pandemic. “Each participant was encouraged to bring in an object or person that they were most grateful for during such a turbulent time. They each had the opportunity to have their portrait captured with their loved ones or things, and were able to share their story of gratitude,” she says.
Storytellers Shelby and her husband, Jordan Wormley, of WE&Company curated the photos and audio stories. The result is a multidimensional installation on the main floor of the hospital.
“This display is both a representation of the fortitude and resilience of our healthcare workers and is also an expression of gratitude for their purposeful work,” says Shelby.
Joe Frank, regional president, Lancaster Medical Center, says that during COVID, he witnessed so many profound moments of healthcare providers supporting each other emotionally. Then, they would armor up again in PPE to bravely care for the next patient. “We stood up to a once-in-a-lifetime event. I had to try to find a way to honor employees’ commitment and showcase our gratitude.” He looked to Center Stage Arts in Health to coordinate the project as the art in Lancaster Medical Center is a hallmark feature of the structure and culture.
Director of Center Stage Arts in Health for the entire Penn State Health system Claire de Boer said this project is emblematic of the power of art to convey meaning, in this case meaningful history and legacy. The 32 black and white photos span a long corridor and offer a video and audio component. “Viewers get a sense of strength, gratitude, vulnerability, and trust through this collection. Shelby captured unique moments and turned them into a collection that speaks to our hearts.”
Sr. Vice President & COO Claire Mooney agrees. “This art holds deep a reminder of the strength of our employees during the pandemic. We were able to capture that and feel a connection to it when we experience this collection.” The hospital opened to patients in October 2022 with a gorgeous collection of diverse and community representational art. This particular exhibit was in the works and finally came to fruition in July 2023.
Shelby reflected that opening day was such a wonderful full circle moment. “This project took about a year and a half to bring to life, so seeing the images on the walls felt good. Being able to see the participants’ reaction to their portraits had to be the icing on the cake. I’m so glad we were all able to celebrate with each other,” she says.
Claire de Boer assembled an art committee consisting of local stakeholders and professional artists to help with the deliberate curation of the art in the medical center. Several committee members were able to attend the unveiling. Ophelia Chambliss says this exhibit is illustrative of the entire process to fill the medical center with culturally vibrant and diverse art. The exhibit exudes powerful images of people of many cultural backgrounds. It also feels grounded in history. “The black and white choice of photography gives this moment the gravitas of a historical marker.”
Want to find out more about the art at Lancaster Medical Center? Check out https://www.lancastercountymag.com/penn-state-health-lancaster-medical-center-the-art-of-medicine/