With over 50-years of delivering high-quality care to the Nashville community, the opening of Tennessee Oncology’s new Cancer Center marks a major milestone for the organization. Designed in collaboration with Gresham Smith, the state-of-the-art facility prioritizes the patient experience – and the new art collection reflects this goal.
From Erin Doherty, Senior Art Advisor at TurningArt:
"Our goal for the art program at Tennessee Oncology’s new Cancer Center was to shape a restorative environment that visually communicates the organization’s dedication to its patients.
The collection was curated with a thoughtful focus on the patient experience. We consulted Dr. Dickson, a medical oncologist and President and Chief Executive Officer at Tennessee Oncology, whose perspective deepened our understanding of the clinical journey, allowing us to select pieces that directly support the unique needs and experiences of Tennessee Oncology’s patient population.
Gresham Smith’s clear design direction was instrumental to our process. Since patients often spend extended periods of time at the center, the design team envisioned an environment that feels as comfortable and familiar as a living room. To support that intention, we selected pieces by local artists that are visually connected to the surrounding region. This approach reinforces a sense of place while reflecting Tennessee Oncology’s commitment to the community.
The final collection is warm and approachable, cultivating a welcoming atmosphere within the clinical space.”
From Helen Brechlin, Senior Art Advisor at TurningArt:
“The overarching neighborhood care concept anchored the curation process. We prioritized photography and paintings that highlight recognizable landscapes to strengthen the community connection within the space. These pieces act as transportive “windows,” offering patients moments of pause and a vital link to nature.
A major focal point of the project is the two-story wall-mounted sculpture in the lobby by Nashville local James Worsham of Handy Dandy Productions. Collaborating with a local artist was important to the project, and James truly understood how to bring calming elements of nature into the space. The sculpture is composed of patinaed brass leaves, each individually nailed into the wall covering, creating an integrated look while adding dimension. As the installation rises into the second floor, you can sense the effect of wind carrying leaves through the air. The piece has a stunning presence without overwhelming the environment.”
From Stephanie McElwaney, Interior Designer at Gresham Smith:
“When designing Tennessee Oncology’s new Cancer Center, it was essential that the space feel welcoming and supportive from the moment patients walk through the doors. Because patients may spend extended periods of time in the building, we took a hospitality approach, designing an environment that feels more like a place of comfort than a traditional clinical facility.
The art plays a significant role in shaping this experience. The local and regional focus connects the space to the Nashville community, helping ground patients in a familiar context during what can be a stressful time.”
From Meagan Kelley, Interior Designer at Gresham Smith:
“Each piece is intentionally woven into the design. The lobby’s two-story installation is a perfect example, as it opens up the space through subtle dimension and organic movement, while remaining serene and approachable. From this large-scale focal point to the carefully curated pieces across each floor, the collection supports the patient journey in a way that feels deeply personal. We are thrilled with how seamlessly the art integrates with the design and enhances the patient, family, and staff experience.”
To see more of TurningArt's work on-site, head over to our installation gallery. To learn more about our programs, set up a free consultation with an Art Advisor here!