#CountdownToThomsonCentre: two images of art on the wall of the Thomson Centre
"Toboggan Night" by Dave Rheaume and "Her Self Image" by Shelley Cinnamon.

#CountdownToThomsonCentre: Check out MGH’s new community art

#CountdownToThomsonCentre shares the features of Michael Garron Hospital’s (MGH) new Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre, also known as the Thomson Centre, which opens to patients, families and caregivers on January 23, 2023. Follow along as we count down to the opening by marking different milestones and highlighting the ways the Thomson Centre helps improve the care MGH provides the community!

This week, we’re highlighting the new community art in the Thomson Centre.

After an extensive selection process, MGH recently installed 37 new works of art in the Thomson Centre. The new art pieces can be found on walls throughout the building, including in public spaces, outpatient clinics and inpatient units.

Art from left: "Exo Leg Covers" by Exo Design Lab's Alexander Toufexis; "Our Community" by Grade 1 & 2 French immersion students of Earl Beatty Public School; "Niska" by Audrey Chilton.
From left, "Exo Leg Covers" by Exo Design Lab's Alexander Toufexis; "Our Community" by Grade 1 & 2 French immersion students of Earl Beatty Public School; "Niska" by Audrey Chilton.

Art reflects themes of nature, diversity and community

The art chosen for the Thomson Centre reflects the themes of nature, diversity and community. When selecting the art, MGH aimed to include as many East Toronto artists as possible, and pieces that reflect the diversity of the community. 

As a healthcare facility, the hospital also sought to include art that would enhance the patient experience. For example, this could include art that evokes feelings of peace, comfort, community, and hope.

Flower of Hope display
Flower of Hope mosaic tile paintings are displayed on the Thomson Centre's second floor balcony.

Preserving the Flower of Hope display  

Separate from the 37 brand new art pieces, visitors to the Thomson Centre may notice a display of mosaic tile paintings on the Thomson Centre’s second floor balcony (M2). These artworks recognize MGH Foundation donors who participated in the Flower of Hope campaign from 2011-2016.

Until recently, these mosaics were displayed in areas of the hospital that will be renovated throughout 2023. They were recently removed from their original location and pieced together into this brand new art installation.

They are hung at the transition point from the old building to the new building, arranged in a pattern to indicate movement toward the future.

"Flinch" by Christine Walker.
"Flinch" by Christine Walker.

Selection process engaged the East Toronto community

In selecting the art, MGH aimed to engage its wider community, including patients, staff, physicians, volunteers, donors and East Toronto residents.

In November 2021, the hospital received nearly 400 call-to-artist submissions from individuals who were interested in having their art displayed in the Thomson Centre.

In June 2022, MGH published a survey to get community feedback on the themes and styles they would like included in this initiative. More than 1,500 people responded to the survey, including MGH staff, physicians, patients, volunteers, donors and East Toronto residents.

MGH’s Art Committee, which is comprised of staff, physicians and community members, made the final selections. Their decision was based on our survey results and additional factors, such as artwork size, theme and style. 

"Rainbow on Glebeholme Boulevard" by Daphne McCormack.
"Rainbow on Glebeholme Boulevard" by Daphne McCormack.

Next phase of art selection

The next phase of our art selection is underway! After the Thomson Centre opens, MGH’s redevelopment project continues until 2024 with campus-wide renovations. The hospital is in the process of selecting additional pieces for display in our newly renovated areas. At this time, new submissions are not being accepted.

Learn more about our featured artists

We are proud that all of the artists included in this initiative have a connection to East Toronto. Some live in the community, while others work in the community or have close family members in the area.

Read our artist biographies and learn more about their art pieces at MGH.

Other important information

  • Find our community art on walls throughout the Thomson Centre, including M1, T1, M2, T2, T6, T7, T8 and T9.

Take a look at MGH’s new community art in the Thomson Centre in the video below!

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