And, it has people walking through them… sometimes with a need for a friendly face or a welcome distraction.

To help fill the space and the needs, the walls are now adorned with local photography.

“We’re a community hospital,” Director of Marketing George Lilja said. “We want them to look at familiar things — feel welcome and cared for.”

The idea grew from the employee pictorial wall near the main entrance and lobby. With the photos of employees on the wall, staff would hear comments like, “That’s my neighbor” and “She goes to my church,” Lilja said.

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Photos of local people, places, events, and creatures line the halls of Warren General Hospital.

The staff wanted to expand on that.

“It’s such a community hospital, let’s capture that community pride,” he said. “We want to offer a warm welcome.”

Personnel reached out to some local photographers. No promises, no sales.

Response was strong. “I think the photography community responded well,” Lilja said. “They were happy to be asked.”

It worked so well, “we opened it up to all photographers in the area and all employees,” Lilja said. “The employees started sending photos in. We love to get employees engaged.”

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Photos of local people, places, events, and creatures line the halls of Warren General Hospital.

There are now more than 100 photos on the walls – there are photos of familiar places, buildings, and events, pleasing landscapes, critters and flowers, neighborhoods, and people.

“It’s authentic,” Lilja said. “Everything is Warren County.”

“We’re trying to capture different interests,” Director of Digital Marketing Mary Ridout said.

Of course, the hospital occupies some of the space. There are a few current photos of the hospital and its immediate surroundings. And, there are four pieces that represent the past to the present of the hospital.

Ridout is on the committee that examines the submitted photos.

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry An angry bluebird is one of the favorites among the display of more than 100 local photos adorning the walls of Warren General Hospital.

Those that are selected are printed on metal and hung in the public areas of the hospital. The metal is easy to clean.

There is plenty of space for more.

“We have three floors here,” Lilja said.

So far, the photos take up most of the first floor.

Patients aren’t the only ones in need of a touch of the familiar. “I see people waiting for a loved one taking them in like it’s an art gallery,” Lilja said.

If there are ever too many photos, some could be put in storage, while others are on display.

Many of those who wander the whole length of the display and report back say, “The best one is the angry bluebird,” Ridout said.

“It’s authentic,” Lilja said. “Everything is Warren County.”

Patients aren’t the only ones in need of a touch of the familiar. “I see people waiting for a loved one taking them in like it’s an art gallery,” Lilja said.

It’s not an art gallery, but that doesn’t mean visitors can’t stop in to check out the art.

And, anyone who would like to submit a high-resolution photo for consideration may do so by sending it to fkelli@wgh.org.