Health care is a field that continues to evolve rapidly, with innovation transforming not only how medicine is practiced but also how patients experience healing. At University Health, one of the most visible examples of this commitment to innovation is the SaludArte: Art of Healing Artist-in-Residence program.

Generously funded by donors Patty and Rene Escobedo in honor of the life and legacy of their mother, Dolores Taboado Escobedo, the program brings together artists from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, generations and communities across the city, state and country. These talented individuals use their creativity to enrich the hospital environment, creating meaningful experiences that inspire patients, families, visitors and staff.

Recently, the Foundation had the opportunity to visit the home studio of one of this year's remarkable artists-in-residence, Barbara Felix. She welcomed us into her creative space and gave us a glimpse of the exciting new work she has been developing for the hospital, which will soon become part of its impressive art collection.

During the visit, we learned about her artistic style, how she was introduced to art and the meaningful memories she created with patients, families and staff who stopped by while she hosted painting demonstrations at both University Hospital and the Robert B. Green Campus.

Barbara identifies as a multidisciplinary artist who explores the human figure as a powerful expression of identity, emotion and lived experience. Her introduction to the creative world did not begin the way some might expect. She did not grow up surrounded by gallery visits. Instead, she discovered her artistic talent in college when a figure drawing class revealed her ability to accurately capture the features of her subjects.

Years spent in a corporate graphic design career, where color choices and fonts were tightly controlled, left her yearning for greater creative freedom. She spent late nights creating art after work until an opportunity to retire early in 2022 allowed her to pursue art full time. Since then, she has mounted solo exhibitions throughout San Antonio, curated shows in places like Austin and taken leadership roles in local arts organizations.

Today, she uses her talents to give back and serve those in need. To her, University Health is a place where her work can uplift others and help them reconnect with joy. And this spring, she was able to bring that passion to the community, serving as the hospital's Artist-in-Residence for two weeks in February.

Barbara adapted her "Glorious Way She Moves" series, a project that grew from filming more than 60 women dancing and translating their movement into layered paintings, for her residency at University Health. During her time at the hospital, she painted portraits of five University Health volunteers and caregivers, capturing each person in multiple poses on a single sheet of Yupo paper. Through the series, she hopes to celebrate the teamwork and compassion that contribute to positive patient outcomes.

"My goal is for people to see my work and immediately want to go home, put on some music and dance," Barbara said.

As we learned more about Barbara and the work she is creating for University Health, we also discovered the extraordinary legacy that has shaped both her life and her artistic journey.

Barbara’s drive to give back and serve the community was inspired by her father, Dr. Robert L. M. Hilliard. He is remembered by many in our community as the first African American physician to receive specialty training at Robert B. Green Memorial Hospital and for delivering more than 14,000 babies throughout his distinguished career in San Antonio. His legacy was so impactful that, nearly a decade ago, University Health named a center in his honor, recognizing the lasting impact he made not only in medicine but throughout the community and beyond hospital walls.

Barbara believes University Health's art program is vital not only for the comfort it brings to patients and families, but also for the opportunities it creates for local artists whose work becomes part of the hospital's permanent collection.

"It's tremendous for an artist's resume to know their work has been collected by a hospital," she said. "For a community artist, inclusion in a public collection can mean more than recognition. It can expand audiences, open doors and validate art as a form of public care."

If you would like to make an impact on the healing environment of any of University Health’s established or future buildings, please contact University Health Foundation at Foundation@uhtx.com or visit www.UniversityHealth.com/foundation. You can also make a donation online.