The Center for the Intrepid- Healing Art Program

Brooke Army Medical Center

The Center for the Intrepid Fort Sam Houston, TX

Design Solution: The owner considered the soldiers who will use this facility our nation’s finest resource, the best of the best. This concept, along with nature’s known role in healing & the Center’s integrated family therapeutic sports program, helped shape the art program. The art concept for this facility was to surround the soldiers with awe inspiring images of nature to help calm, motivate and inspire. National Geographic images of many National Parks and monuments across the country were selected as a way to visualize the best of the best in nature photography and to represent all areas of the country. Additional patriotic imagery was also incorporated to help remind the soldiers of the nation’s support.

Donor Art: DAS, along with many others, sought and secured corporate donations. As a way to bring outside awareness into the Center, a rotating art gallery was established. Opening day exhibited images taken by Brent Stirton (donated by Getty Images) who accompanied recovering soldiers and their families on a white water rafting trip. His story was published in Newsweek’s September 11, 2006 edition. Also on display are Steve Mumford’s watercolor images of soldiers participating in therapy sketched during his visit to BAMC.

Flow Rider Mosaic: An energetic 45’ mosaic depicting rolling waves was designed and installed on the vertical ramp walls leading up to the flow rider in the natatorium.

Brent Stirton

Steve Mumford

South Entrance view of the Center for the Intrepid from the Fisher Houses. Photo Courtesy of the AP

The art program at the CFI was a combined effort between GSA who purchased the published artwork & the Fallen Heroes Fund who underwrote the original art.

Mission: To select awe inspiring artwork befitting a world class facility that reinforced and inspired physical activity, and supported patriotism.