When most people walk into a cancer center, they expect to see waiting rooms, exam rooms, and medical equipment. What they don't expect is to find themselves surrounded by original works of art that invite them to pause, reflect, and simply breathe.
The program’s current exhibition celebrates that philosophy through a collection of artwork from renowned local artist Pat Percy (1934–2023), presented through a partnership with the Lakeland Arts Association and generously on loan from her estate.
Percy's life was a remarkable blend of creativity, movement, and lifelong curiosity. The daughter of vaudeville puppeteers, she developed an early appreciation for the performing arts before beginning her lifelong passion for dance. In 1957, she joined the Taliesin Fellowship under legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an experience she later described as 'the most wonderful opportunity of my life.' During her time there, her design, created with fellow apprentices, was selected as the basis for the U.S. postage stamp honoring Wright's legacy.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the collection using complimentary walking guides available throughout the
Cancer & Research Center. The guides provide insight into each featured work and include information about purchasing available pieces. Through the partnership with the Lakeland Arts Association, a portion of proceeds from artwork sales benefit the
Watson Clinic Foundation, helping expand programs that bring the healing power of the arts to patients throughout our community.