The bears have returned to the Thames River in Chatham, courtesy of artist Frank Ripley.
A sculpture of a bear and her cub, made from recycled metals and wire, was unveiled recently outside the hospital in Chatham.
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance officials are calling it a milestone in the community-focused art initiative launched in 2024.
The sculpture stands next to the emergency department, overlooking the riverscape.
Ripley, a Chatham native, operates a full-time art practice from his Orillia studio. It took about 10 months for the artist to sculpt the piece.
His work has been seen around North America. One of his pieces is in the possession of legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk.
The Chatham piece is intended to bring a sense of beauty, calm, and connection to the hospital environment, promoting healing and offering a moment of reflection for patients, visitors, and staff alike, according to CKHA officials.
“The bears will enhance the outdoor space by giving patients and families a chance to take their minds off the stress that is sometimes associated with hospitals,” Ripley said in a media release. “Bears symbolically are known for their caring and protection, and the objective is to bring peace and calm to the patients and their families. Mamma Bear and her Cub will also bring an element of calm and joy outside as people walk by, receive care or when visiting loved ones who are in the hospital. To have this piece in my home community means so much to me. This is the first of my pieces in Chatham-Kent, and I’m honoured to have it on display at CKHA.”
“We are so excited to see this project come to life,” said Fannie Vavoulis, director of communications and patient experience at CKHA. “This beautiful sculpture represents more than just art; it represents connection, wellness, and our commitment to patient- and family-centred care.”
In May of 2024, CKHA issued a community call for submissions. A selection committee made up of CKHA staff and patient advisors reviewed proposals.
This project was made possible in part through funding support from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
A second installation, created for the Wallaceburg site, will be unveiled at a later date.
