Unveiling of "Canticle of the Sun" Artwork at Hospital

Ruben Boyajian is well-known for his surgical abilities.

He might be as well-known in the Effingham area for his artistic abilities.

HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital held a blessing and unveiling at noon Wednesday of the first panel of the "Canticle of the Sun", inspired by a well-known prayer written by St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis.

The work of art is expressed through mosiacs and was created by Dr. Boyajian over a six-month period, with additional time allotted for the doctor's recovery from back surgery.

Dr. Boyajian explained that he walked regularly along the corridor that runs along the hospital's Healing Garden and began to wonder what could be done there artistically to enhance the archways that span the corridor. He came up with three sketches, one for each archway. He considered painting the sketches on the archways, but then thought the mosaics could be relocated if construction was necessary in the area and that mosaics would be more durable than paint with the amount of foot traffic that goes by the artwork.

Here's Greg Sapp's conversation with Dr. Ruben Boyajian following Wednesday's ceremony...

Dr. Boyajian, long-known for his gingerbread creations, decided he wanted to "take a break" from such creations. He has painted the roses that grace either side of the stage at the Effingham Performance Center, and has worked on painting the cupola in the second floor courtroom at the Effingham County Courthouse Museum. The mosaic was created in his home studio and the doctor donated the time and materials for the project. 

Dr. Boyajian was quick to credit his wife, Emily, and others for their assistance on the project.

Hospital President and CEO Theresa Rutherford said, "The Canticle of the Sun is a wonderful representation of the vision of those who came before us and is a reminder of how we incorporate the same mission, vision, and values into our modern day practice, work and ministry."

The second mosaic will reflect St. Francis' love for all living things, while the third will focus on the hospital and its rising from the ashes of the 1949 fire to become a regional health care provider and Effingham's largest employer.

(DR. RUBEN BOYAJIAN SMILES AS HE TALKS WITH ST. ANTHONY'S MEDICAL DIRECTOR DR. RYAN JENNINGS AFTER BEING PINNED BY JENNINGS AS A CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN OF MD ANDERSON CANCER NETWORK)

The event also presented an opportunity to present Dr. Boyajian with his pin as a Certified Physician of MD Anderson Cancer Network, joining five other physicians on St. Anthony's staff who have been certified.

Greg spoke with hospital President and CEO Theresa Rutherford about St. Anthony's affiliation with MD Anderson...

The hospital became a certified member of the MD Anderson's Cancer Center Network in March.