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The artists behind the images featured throughout the new hospital
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The new Dawson Creek & District Hospital is more than a place of healing – it’s a reflection of the land, people, and stories that make the Peace Region so special. As part of our community engagement efforts, we recently launched a call-out seeking local and regional images to be used on custom graphics that will be displayed throughout the facility. These images are more than decoration – they are windows into the lives and landscapes of Northern BC.
Meet the artists whose images will help create a welcoming, comforting environment for patients, families, and staff.
Bethany-Cerise Buchamer
Bethany-Cerise Buchamer has called the Peace Region home since the early 2000s. She is a mother to several children born in the region and she is grateful for being able to build deep connections with the land and its people throughout the years. Her photography is rooted in emotion and place, capturing the quiet strength and beauty of the Peace River Valley.
Her featured image is of the Peace River and was taken beside the Site C spillway. It is a powerful metaphor for resilience. It speaks to the courage required to navigate life’s turbulent waters and the promise of calm that lies beyond.
“Even the strongest currents cannot anchor my soul, for beyond the turbulence lie gentle new beginnings.”
Bethany’s work is a tribute to the healing power of nature and the importance of community. She is honored that her artwork will help create a welcoming environment for patients, families, and staff and contributes to a space that will support others in their own journeys of recovery and renewal.
Level 1 - Registration Kiosks
Peace River beside the Site C spillwayDarcy ShawchekDarcy Shawchek’s artistic journey began with a second-hand film camera purchased in Fort St. John in 1996. That camera sparked a passion for chasing night sky, storms, and sunsets while capturing the drama of the Peace Region’s skies. Though he lost his early work to theft in 2002, his love for photography endured. In 2013, a digital camera gifted by his family reignited his creative fire.
Darcy’s image “Roy’s Potato Patch” is deeply personal. Taken along the Peace River near the mouth of the Kiskatinaw River during a northern lights solar storm, it shows a field planted by his grandfather – a place of abundance, tradition, and family memory.
“It is a very special place. There were never not enough potatoes and there were always some left over at the end of the year. They were the best potatoes.”
His second image of a sunflower patch is a celebration of serendipity – being in the right place at the right time. Darcy’s work is infused with nostalgia and reverence for the land, making it a perfect fit for a space dedicated to care and reflection.
Level 1 - Medical Imaging Waiting Room
Along the Peace River at the mouth of the Kiskatinaw River
Level 2 - Maternity Unit Waiting Area
The right place, at the right timeTracy RondeauTracy Rondeau lives in Fort Nelson, BC, and though she wasn’t born there, the region has captured her heart. Photography became a way for her to slow down and appreciate the world around her – especially during quiet moments with her family in nature.
Her first image, taken at a rest area on Highway 29 near Hudson’s Hope, shows the Peace River before the Site C Dam was completed. It’s a poignant reminder of how landscapes change and how photography can preserve memory.
“This photo was taken before that part of the river was flooded. I feel lucky to have a photo that holds that moment.”
Her second image was taken just off the Alaska Highway, north of Fort Nelson and was overlooking the creek at the bottom of Babba Canyon. It captures a spontaneous stop with her husband and daughter and is a testament to the beauty of unplanned moments and the joy of simply being present.
Tracy is honored to be part of this initiative alongside so many other talented artists. She hopes her photos bring comfort or familiarity to those who spend time in the space, even if it’s a small reminder that the beauty around us can make a tough day feel a little lighter.
Level 1 - Laboratory Waiting Area
Rest area on Highway 29 near Hudson's Hope
Level 1 - Visiting Specialists Waiting Area
Babba CanyonCameron Alexander
Cameron Alexander grew up just outside Fort St. John and has always been drawn to adventure and the outdoors. His photography journey began a decade ago with a DSLR camera and countless hours spent exploring nature with his best friend.
His featured image, taken on the Sukunka Forest Service Road during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, captures the breathtaking Sukunka Valley. It was taken during a week-long escape into the woods – a time of reflection and reconnection.
“It reminds me to take a breath every once in a while, look around, and enjoy myself.”
Cameron’s work is rooted in exploration and perspective. He believes every photographer brings a unique lens to the world, and he’s excited to share his with those who use and visit the new hospital.
Level 3 - Mental Health Patient Dining/Lounge
Sukunka Valley Service RoadKevin Xu
Kevin Xu has spent over a decade capturing the landscapes and wildlife of the Canadian North. His journey began in the High Arctic, driven by a desire to share its beauty with friends in the south. After moving to Fort Nelson, he fell in love with the region’s natural wonders. Now living in Inuvik, Kevin still makes annual drives along the Alaska Highway to reconnect with Northern BC.
His first image is of Muncho Lake, which is a beloved camping spot for Fort Nelson locals. It’s a place of peace and escape – a scenic and peaceful retreat where you can unwind over the weekend and leave your worries behind.
His second image of Sikanni Chief Falls is a hidden gem in Northern BC. Reaching this spot is part of the adventure – requiring a 4x4 vehicle, good tires, and an attitude for exploration. But the best part? You're rewarded with an absolutely breathtaking view.
“I genuinely look forward to bringing some positivity and calm to a time that can often feel scary and overwhelming.”
Kevin’s work brings the wild serenity of Northern BC into the new hospital, offering patients and visitors a visual breath of fresh air.
Level 1 - Emergency Department Waiting Room
Muncho Lake
Level 1 - Gift Shop
Sikanni Chief FallsAaron PatrimonioAaron Patrimonio’s passion for photography began in 2013 when he moved to the Middle East for work. He immersed himself in the craft, taking both basic and advanced photography courses and eventually turning his hobby into a professional pursuit. By 2016, Aaron was capturing events and onsite projects and entering photography competitions – winning numerous awards both locally and internationally.
Aaron moved to Dawson Creek in 2023 and continued with his photography throughout the Peace Region. His selected image was taken from the 208 Road during sunset and captures the iconic Bear Mountain Wind Park, a landmark that has come to symbolize his new beginning in Canada.
“The view of the Wind Park will always be a landmark for Dawson Creek and to me as a newcomer.”
Aaron is proud to be part of this initiative, which he sees as a meaningful way for artists to share their talents and contribute to a space of healing and inspiration.
Level 2 - Inpatient Unit Family Lounge
Bear Mountain Wind ParkDonald Pettit
Don Pettit is a long-time professional photographer based in Dawson Creek, known for his deep commitment to documenting and preserving the natural beauty of the Peace River Region. His work has been published in several large-format books, including The Peace: An Exploration in Photographs, a national bestseller, and The Peace: A History in Photographs, which was short-listed for a BC Book Prize.
Don’s selected image is a high-resolution panoramic view of the Peace River Valley near Fort St. John, stitched together from multiple photographs. It captures the grandeur of a landscape that has since been dramatically altered by the construction of the Site C dam.
“Just upstream from this photo is the new Site C dam, which has destroyed the Peace River valley for 80 kilometers. I hope my photograph captures at least a hint of the beauty that was lost forever.”
As a naturalist and environmentalist specializing in renewable energy, Don advocates for sustainable alternatives like wind power. He sees this project as a vital opportunity to showcase regional artistry and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our ecosystems.
Level 1 - Emergency Department Quiet/Bereavement Room
Peace River Valley near Fort St. JohnRick Phillips
Raised and rooted in Northern British Columbia, Rick Phillips has spent most of his life immersed in the landscapes and communities of the North. His passion for photography was sparked in childhood by family members who nurtured his curiosity, eventually transforming it into a lifelong pursuit.
"The North has given me the opportunity, by its people and its beauty, to explore several types of photography."
Rick’s selected image was captured at Dinosaur Lake near Hudson’s Hope, where a calm night and an active sky gave rise to a fleeting but powerful display of the Aurora Borealis – photographed just before sunrise.
Rick is honoured to have his work featured in the new hospital and hopes that all who view the images throughout the space will find comfort, curiosity, and connection in the visual stories they tell.
Level 0 - Morgue Viewing Room
Dinosaur Lake near Hudson's Hope -
Call-out for Artists and Photographers: Local and regional scenic photographic images for custom wall graphics
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Northern Health is looking for artists and photographers to submit local and regional[1] scenic photographic images to be purchased/licensed by Northern Health and used for permanent custom wall graphics in various locations within the new Hospital.
Download a PDF copy of this opportunity to share with your extended network, colleagues, friends and family.
BACKGROUND:
Construction on the new Dawson Creek & District Hospital began in July 2023, is anticipated to be open and ready for patients by Spring 2027.
Graham Design-Builders was the successful proponent selected to complete the design and build the new Hospital.
The approach and strategy for the interior design for the new Hospital is informed by the surrounding natural environment:
- The flow of the Peace River
- The important connections via the Alaska Highway, railroads, rivers, and creeks
- The big sky with the northern lights/aurora borealis
INTERIOR DESIGN THEMES:
Each level’s interior design theme is based on regional inspiration and has the corresponding wayfinding colours:
CUSTOM GRAPHIC LOCATIONS:
Examples of two locations with sample custom graphics:
The following 13 locations in the new DCDH are planned to have custom wall graphics:
COMPENSATION:
Northern Health will compensate artists $1,800 per successful image, up to a maximum total of $23,400 for all 13 identified custom graphic locations throughout the new Hospital.
DELIVERABLES:
Please submit the following with your package:
- Digital files of local and regional photographic scenic images that align with the identified themes
- For each image submitted, identify which level and theme it aligns with and the preferred location
- Aspect ratios and dimensions of the images
- Original un-flattened artwork files
Please note:
- You are not required to coordinate the ordering or installation of the custom wall graphics as Graham Design-Builders is responsible for doing so.
- Submissions of images remain the property of the artist/photographer and are only required for initial evaluation purposes.
- Images will not be used or shared outside of the evaluation committees, if the submission is not successful.
- Please feel free to include watermarks and/or logos on submission images.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Vector artwork – EPS, AI, PDF (editable)
- Raster artwork – TIFF (preferred), PSD, PSB, JPEG (high res)
- Resolution – At least 150 PPI at 100% of the image size (300 PPI is preferred)
- 21MP and larger
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Evaluation and approval of submissions will include review and input from the DCDH Art Committee and Northern Health representatives and be based on the following criteria:
- Respecting the Treaty 8 First Nations and the connection to the area where the new Hospital is being built within their territory
- Reflecting the larger vision and goals of the project
- Creating harmony with the design of the new Hospital
- Representing key local and regional landmarks
- Contributing to a sense of place
- Creating welcoming spaces for patients, visitors, and staff to gather and generate conversation
Northern Health will ultimately decide which images appear in which locations, based on evaluation of all the submissions and the above criteria. There is no guarantee the image will appear in the preferred location; however successful artists/photographers will be notified of any proposed location changes following the evaluation period.
LEGAL INFORMATION:
Selected artists/photographers will be required to sign a formal agreement, assigning certain intellectual property rights to Northern Health. Within the agreement, the artist/photographer will license the physical display of the images.
Northern Health will not reproduce or distribute the images without express consent from the artist/photographer; however, as part of a public display, photographs or images of the facility used for promotional material may capture the artwork in-situ. Such use will be authorized within the agreement.
SCHEDULE:
HOW TO SUBMIT:
Please submit your package with the subject:
“DCDH Art Submission: Custom Graphics – ”
To:
Ashley Pannozzo
DCDH Community Engagement and Communications Liaison
Ashley.pannozzo@northernhealth.ca
Given the large file sizes that are being requested, please feel free to use a file sharing tool such as WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc. for your submission as they are likely to be too large to send via email. If you’d prefer a physical drop-off (USB, hard drive, etc.), please reach out to coordinate.
QUESTIONS?
Please email Ashley Pannozzo (Ashley.pannozzo@northernhealth.ca) if you have any questions or require any additional information regarding this opportunity.
[1] Local and regional is defined as: Dawson Creek and area, B.C. Peace River Region between the Rocky Mountain Foothills (west) and the Alberta Plains (east), South and North Peace River Regions, and Northeast British Columbia.
