Through art, Dorchester District 2 students leave a lasting mark on Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s Health Pavilion at Sawmill Centre

The walls of Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s new Health Pavilion at Sawmill Centre are telling the story of Summerville through the eyes of local student photographers.

Nearly 50 photographs captured by Dorchester School District 2 photography students have been printed on canvas and displayed throughout the new facility, creating a welcoming environment while showcasing the beauty, history and character of the community it serves. The partnership began during the building’s design phase, when leaders sought to purchase artwork that would reflect the spirit of Summerville rather than relying solely on stock images or professional pieces.

Located at 101 Sawmill Centre Drive in Summerville, the Health Pavilion at Sawmill Centre welcomed its first patients June 29, expanding convenient access to emergency, imaging, lab and outpatient services close to downtown Summerville. The complex eventually will include a Medical Office Building with various specialty services and a surgery center.

“When we have the opportunity to open a facility in a new community, we also have the opportunity to build new partnerships,” said Troy Powell, Chief Operating Officer for the Ambulatory Channel at Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “As we worked through the design process, we realized we could create something much more meaningful by engaging local students and commissioning their work. The artwork throughout this building created by our local students truly captures the essence of Summerville. It makes the space feel more like home.”

Working alongside district Director of Fine and Performing Arts Jason Walsh, photography students from Ashley Ridge and Fort Dorchester high schools traveled throughout the community during field trips, photographing landmarks like the town belltower and a row of downtown businesses, landscapes, flowers and other scenes that reflect life in and around Summerville. Students from Summerville High School also submitted artwork for the project.

“One of our goals in fine arts is to connect students with the community and help them see the impact their work can have,” Walsh said. “These students went out into the community and captured images that represent Summerville. Now thousands of people will see their work for years to come. It’s an incredible opportunity for them.”

Among the student artists was rising Fort Dorchester High School senior Sophia Hutchinson, who focused her camera on one of Flowertown’s most recognizable features. A photo of a dandelion eventually made the cut.

“When I heard the photos were for a hospital, I immediately thought of flowers,” Hutchinson said, standing just feet away from her printed work. “I was just trying to create something beautiful. I never expected my photo would be selected, so seeing it here is really exciting. It’s special knowing my work will be in a place where people come to heal.”

Recent Fort Dorchester graduate Serenity Wyatt chose to capture a different side of the community. She framed a shot with a signpost and oak tree.

Her fellow students also captured colorful chairs and doors, or an old pub and a loaded train lumbering through town.

“I spent time photographing downtown Summerville because I felt like its history and character needed to be represented,” Wyatt said. “Seeing my photo displayed here is surreal. I never imagined having my artwork showcased somewhere like this. It’s really fulfilling.”

For many students, the significance of the project didn’t fully sink in until they attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Health Pavilion at Sawmill Centre and saw their photographs displayed at this scale. Powell recognized the photographers during the ceremony, and several of the students helped Roper St. Francis Healthcare leaders and local officials cut the ribbon.