Inspirational Artist Transforms Drab Hospital Rooms One View at a Time for Cancer Patients

nnAn inspirational artist is giving patients a “window view” with murals designed to spark an escape from the sterile environment of chemotherapy, taking them on an imaginary journey to a sunny place.nnColleen Wall’s journey into the Arts & Healthcare field began in 1995, when she was diagnosed with cancer while four months pregnant. This life-changing experience fueled her passion for using art to uplift others facing similar battles.nnAfter beating cancer, she served as an Artist in Residence on the oncology floor at Women’s & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, an experience that changed her perspective—and her mission—forever.nnOne spring morning, Colleen entered a patient’s room and remarked, “It’s such a beautiful day outside!” The patient, looked up from her bed and replied, “It always looks the same from here.”nnThat simple but powerful exchange sparked Colleen’s idea for a project: A View for a Room—Transforming Healthcare Spaces.nnIt was successfully funded with a crowd-funding Kickstarter campaign a decade ago, and it offered her the opportunity to go on a painting sabbatical where she created 20 inspirational paintings that she called LandEscapes.nnDesigned specifically for healthcare environments, the window-inspired paintings incorporate elements of nature, and always include roads and paths, to invite the viewer into the scene. They also feature words of encouragement and inspiring ideals.nn

nnColleen’s goal is to give every patient a view to a sunny, peaceful place, offering a mental escape from the confines of the hospital room and a reminder that better days are ahead.nnLast month, she began painting her LandEscapes directly on walls at the Roswell Park Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, where ten window murals were recently installed.nnLOOK: Painter is Brightening City’s Drab and Neglected Streets Transforming Them into a Rainbownn

nnThe nine window murals and one 29-foot community mural were installed in treatment rooms to mark National Arts & Healthcare month in November.nnCOOKING UP CANCER COMPASSION: Couple Created ‘Cancer Kitchen’ in Their Alley to Let Family Members Cook for Loved Ones in Nearby Hospitalnn“Spending long periods of time in a hospital room can feel isolating,” said Ms. Wall.nn“These window paintings are meant to help patients feel as though they are not confined to a sterile room but instead can take an imaginary journey outside into nature.”nn“It’s my way of sharing the hope that helped me through my own challenges.”nnLearn more about her mission and view all the window paintings by visiting her website—and watch her Kickstarter video below…nn[raw][/raw]nSHARE THE GREAT IDEA With Painters or Hospital Workers On Social Media…