The Planning Process

Preparations for the installation began in the fall 2009 with the selection of art for both the dental and medical areas of the clinic. Choosing art for the clinic involved balancing the needs of a medical clinic, which serves Victoria’s downtown street community, with those of the University of Victoria Art Collection (UVAC), in its commitment to care for works of art in the collection. Image size and content were key concerns. Collections Curator Caroline Riedel and Williams Legacy Chair Carolyn Butler Palmer jointly prepared a preliminary list of about 60 images in the University of Victoria’s Art Collection. In December 2009, we announced the upcoming project with the installation of four works of art for the grand opening of the Access Health Facility.

To teach art history students to develop an installation plan, write labels, and work with a community group, Carolyn Butler Palmer developed a time table that unfolded over the course of two years. During the first year (2010-2011), students in the collections’ research seminar would tackle the medical facility on the ground floor and help develop a companion exhibit for the Legacy Gallery. During the second year (2011-2012), students in the Williams Collection research seminar would work on a plan for the second floor dental clinic and help develop a companion exhibit for the Legacy Gallery.