'Bear Hunt': Healing and hope through the arts
Thanks to donations by Darren Durstling and Doug Udell, along with funding support from the Awasisak Indigenous Health Program, Dean Drever’s ‘Bear Hunt’ is now on display at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
Featuring diverse and inclusive artwork at the Stollery Children’s Hospital reinforces the importance of inspiring and empowering everyone who walks through the Hospital doors. Representation matters, and patients get to see themselves within the artwork, underscoring the powerful experience of connecting to their own humanity.
The moving power of art is especially apparent in Haida artist Dean Drever’s sculptures titled ‘Bear Hunt’, featured prominently on the mezzanine in the main atrium and visible from the cafeteria, patient rooms and the pedestrian bridges on all five levels of the Hospital. “I’m very happy this piece found a home. Growing up in Garneau, it has always been exactly what I envision when I think about hospitals,” says Drever
Generously donated by long-time Stollery Children’s Hospital supporter Darren Durstling and Edmonton gallery owner Doug Udell, ‘Bear Hunt’ offers a rare opportunity to share space with the colossal Kodiak Bear. In addition to donating the art piece itself, Durstling and Udell covered the costs of installation, with additional funds supplied by the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation-funded Awasisak Indigenous Health Program.
In a breathtaking display of strength, awe, pride and courage, the bears provide an opportunity for a connection to creativity that contrasts with the clinical setting in which they stand. As it was no small feat to relocate and install the large bears in their current location, their very existence provides hope and meaning.
The Foundation is grateful for the generous donation of ‘Bear Hunt’ by Mr. Udell and Mr. Durstling. ‘Bear Hunt’ reminds us that we are not alone, that we can brave the unknown and that, ultimately, we are all on this journey together.