New Westminster, B.C. – {February 4, 2026} – Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation is inviting members of the hospital’s communities to be part of a permanent art installation in the new Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower by submitting a headshot photograph for inclusion in a large-scale mosaic artwork known as the Gallery of Gratitude.
Commissioned by the Foundation, the Gallery of Gratitude will be prominently installed inside the Tower and will recognize the donors, physicians, hospital staff, and construction teams whose collective efforts helped bring this landmark project to life. Members of the public who make a qualifying donation are eligible to have their photograph included in the mosaic, creating a lasting and highly personal connection to this milestone in Royal Columbian Hospital’s history.
The Foundation has partnered with local Indigenous artist Elinor Atkins to create the artwork. Atkins (Miməwqθelət, meaning “the first bird to sing in the morning”) is a member of the Kwantlen First Nation. Her work is informed by the traditional teachings of Coastal and Interior Salish cultures and a deep connection to the land and water, including the Fraser River.
Atkins will first create an original artwork inspired by the spirit of the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower and its surrounding community. The original artwork will be displayed within the new building and will also be transformed into a mosaic composed of thousands of individual headshot photographs, collected through targeted outreach and engagement activities led by the Foundation. The final mosaic will be professionally fabricated and installed in a prominent location in the Tower’s main lobby.
“The Gallery of Gratitude is a way for people to see themselves reflected in this new space,” says Jeff Norris, President & CEO of Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. “It honours the generosity of donors, the dedication of care teams, and the many individuals who helped make the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower possible, while contributing a meaningful work of art that will be part of the hospital for years to come.”
The project aligns with Royal Columbian Hospital’s broader art strategy, which emphasizes professionally commissioned works that support healing, reflection, and wellbeing for patients, families, staff, and visitors.
Donors who give $25 or more as part of the Gallery of Gratitude campaign may submit a headshot photograph. Photos will be curated and incorporated into the mosaic.
To take part in the opportunity, visit rchfoundation.com/galleryofgratitude.
About Royal Columbian Hospital
As BC’s most comprehensive critical care hospital, one in three British Columbians rely on Royal Columbian Hospital. We are the only hospital in BC with trauma, cardiac, neurosciences, high-risk obstetrics and neonatal intensive care on one site. We look after some of the most seriously ill and injured patients, and we do it with the support of donors like you.
Since 1978, donors to Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation have helped fund priority equipment needs, facility enhancements, research, education and innovation at Royal Columbian Hospital. Visit rchfoundation.com for more information.
