Saturday, April 22, 2006 JANET GOETZE NEWBERG -- Viewing art can help us heal by lowering blood pressure and reducing stress hormones, says Dr. George Weghorst, the medical director for Providence Health System's Yamhill County service area.

For that reason, the new Providence Newberg Medical Center, scheduled to open at the eastern edge of Newberg on June 10, has lots of art -- and it isn't bland, inoffensive public art. It's kid-designed, with youthful observations and vitality.

In recent months, 10 artists have worked with nearly 400 students in the service area of the $68.5 million hospital, which includes Newberg, St. Paul, Sherwood and Dundee. The young artists, ranging from fourth-graders to high-schoolers, have produced paintings, mosaics, sculptures, weavings, silk banners and a tile mural. The artwork will be displayed in such public places as the hospital cafeteria, a wall near the main entrance and the waiting area near the surgical suites.