ROCKPORT — As part of an initiative to transform and humanize its clinical spaces, Pen Bay Medical Center aims to integrate art and medicine into its new Health Center.

Artists with strong ties to Maine and New England are encouraged to apply for an eight-month juried exhibition at the Health Center, located on PBMC’s main hospital campus. The exhibition opens Oct. 24 and closes April 24, 2022.

A grand prize of $500 will be awarded to best of show. Second place will receive $300 and third place $200. Smaller prizes comprising gift cards and museum memberships will also be awarded.

Entry guidelines and the online submission form are available here and at https://bit.ly/Foundation_Art. Submissions must be received no later than Sept. 20 and selections will be made on Sept. 29.

“Many studies have documented the healing power of art,” said Ellie Willmann, vice president of development for PBMC and WCGH. “It creates visual interest, and can help to create an inviting and enriching environment. Art can reflect our values and help express our mission.

“The Health Center, which opened last December, is a blank canvas waiting for warm and welcoming art,” Willmann said. “This inaugural exhibition will establish a strong foundation as we build a vibrant visual arts program to enhance all healing environments throughout our health care system.”

The exhibition will feature two-dimensional artwork including, but not limited to, paintings, prints, drawings, watercolors and photography. Three-dimensional artwork, such as sculptures, ceramics, textiles and mixed media pieces will be accepted only if they conform to the limitations of the exhibition space.

Artworks should reflect the diversity, beauty, and history of the Midcoast region, and offer enrichment and enjoyment to patients, visitors and staff alike. Subject matter must be appropriate for public spaces and respectful towards all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Pen Bay Medical Center

Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of nine local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit pbmc.org.