By Hillary Manalac / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today

Over the next month, more than 200 pieces of photographic fine art featuring the landscape, flora and fauna of North Inland San Diego County, will be hung at the new state-of-the-art medical center in Rancho Bernardo.

Sharp HealthCare commissioned San Diego’s Ambassador of the Arts, Aaron Chang, to capture the allure of San Diego’s inland gem, Rancho Bernardo.

“I was blown away by the beauty I found in the hills and around the lakes of Rancho Bernardo,” said Chang. “All of my life, I’ve focused on the ocean and the beach... I was delighted to have the opportunity to turn my lens to this hidden gem.”

Numerous studies have shown that certain types of art help create a healing environment, specifically landscapes and water murals **. These studies have shown that patients need less pain medication, have faster healing times and experience an overall increase in well being.

Aaron’s new collection was created with the intention of not only creating a beautiful environment, but a healing one as well.

Patient comments suggest that Aaron’s work is having the desired results.

“I was in a car accident in January. Went to Scripps Encinitas and in the emergency room I was grateful to be sitting there trying to get a grip and look up and see one of the beautiful pictures. It was such a grounding moment for me," said Janelle Chappell,