BUTNER Location John Umstead Hospital, B. Gene Barrett Building, South Courtyard Artist Enrique Vega Biography Vega has worked as a blacksmith since 1980, completing numerous private commissions. This is his first publicly funded commission. He creates functional and sculptural works using modern and traditional techniques. Title, date Healing Suns, 1995 Artwork, media Gates and fence panels, using steel, brass and etched glass Can be seen from street

Project Description Vega's work is installed into a prefabricated security fence that encloses a patient courtyard at the hospital. Fifty-four squares of glass are incorporated into the fence; two metal gates made of forged steel and brass are placed in the two openings that frame the fence. The design etched into the glass focuses on the recovery process for patients. From the west side of the fence, clouds with choppy, angular spirals represent the early stages of recovery. As the design moves east, the spirals become softer and move towards the radiating sun, which represents the treatment given by the hospital. This theme is also presented in the metal gates. The logo of the hospital (the transforming of swords into plowshares and war into peace) are etched into the glass. Pre-selection panel Paula Garrett, artist; Al Judd, Physical Plant director, John Umstead Hospital; Lisa Keel, architect, Peterson Associates Architects; Billy Lee, artist and associate professor, Department of Art, UNC-Greensboro; Janice Palmer with the assistance of Sam Morrison, director of Cultural Services, Duke University Medical Center. Margaret Stephenson, director of Adult Admissions, participated in an ex-officio capacity.