Ralph Appelbaum Associates

RAA worked with RxART and Gracie Square Hospital on a site-specific installation by artist Hilary Pecis for the Young Adult/College Student unit on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. As RxART’s corporate design partner, RAA helped integrate contemporary art into spaces where patients spend much of their time participating in therapeutic activities, supporting an environment that promotes comfort, reflection, and well-being.

The project features three original works by Pecis installed in the unit’s activity and group therapy rooms. Created specifically for Gracie Square Hospital, the paintings depict immersive landscapes inspired by the artist’s surroundings in California, including expansive ocean views, mountain ranges, vibrant plant life, and open skies. Through rich color, bold linework, and a sense of tranquility, the works bring elements of the natural world into the clinical setting, offering patients moments of respite and visual escape.

For young adults whose stays may extend for several weeks, these shared spaces play an important role in daily life and treatment. Pecis’s artwork helps transform them into welcoming environments that encourage calm, connection, and contemplation. The installation reflects RAA’s belief that thoughtful design can positively influence emotional experience and support healing alongside clinical care. The project demonstrates the power of art to enrich healthcare environments and create meaningful experiences for patients, families, and staff alike.