TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — A new hospital opened in Tahlequah.
The W.W. Hastings Hospital opened its doors on July 9, drawing a crowd while it celebrated the Cherokee artists whose work now fills the new facility.
WATCH: FIRST LOOK: See the new W.W. Hastings Hospital and the Cherokee art filling its halls:
The pieces are chosen reflect the nation's culture and heritage.
The Cherokee Nation told 2 News Oklahoma the new hospital wouldn't be complete without beautiful things for people to see. We talked to Eddie Morrison, a Cherokee artist whose art is on display.
“You know they say, or I say it too, that art is healing, and I think that if somebody comes through here and they're not feeling too good or something might be wrong, they might look up and see one of these pieces and it might buoy them up a little bit," Morrison said. "Because a lot of hospitals are pretty bland compared to what the Cherokees are doing.”
Morrison started making sculptures out of stone and wood about 60 years ago. His art is displayed in several places across the U.S. — but he calls this placement especially meaningful.
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said 243 pieces of art are displayed throughout the hospital. The collection reflects the pride the Cherokee Nation has in its people and their culture.
“When you come to a hospital, obviously there's a level of anxiety that you can get," Warner said. "When I walk in here, I can look, and I can start to see the art and start to feel a connection. For me, I've been blessed to get to know a lot of these artists, whether they're a Cherokee National Treasure or whether they're an up-and-comer.”
To learn more about the new facility, click here.
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