From the charcoal-lined caves of Ardèche to the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, artists have sought to render the most commonplace of things to humankind's connection with the divine. In the case of SCAD Professor Julie Lieberman, SCAD student, Jen Ely, and members of the Student Illustration Society, they seek to bring comfort to fearful souls.
Memorial University Medical Center children's hospital Vice President Bill Lee contacted SCAD after a child wrote the hospital to suggest they liven up the imposing, pale walls in the pediatric waiting room. Professor Lieberman was chosen to lead the project because of her experience working on murals in Savannah, including those at the Savannah Mall.
She approached the Student Illustration Society about the project and asked for design proposals. Eighteen students submitted mural designs. B.F.A. illustration student Kelsey Wilson's Forsyth Park-inspired design was chosen.
Fourteen students and Professor Lieberman brought its combination of organic shapes, trees, and animals surrounding a fountain to life in nearly two weeks of work. The artwork isn't confined to the walls, however. The artists also set their brushes to the tables children use.
"This was the first time I had done something like this with an outside client and I think it was an invaluable experience," said Kelsey Wilson. "It was great to get some real feedback and learn to work with a team to meet a deadline. The best part was seeing the impact of the art itself on the people at the hospital."
The whole experience is designed to be interactive for the children.
"Last I heard, as soon as the room was open, the kids were inspired to add their own touches to the murals with crayon, so I'm taking that to mean they liked it," said Wilson.
But like so much of art, this doesn't mean something to just the intended audience, nor does it have just one effect.
"As soon as we had the pencil lines on the wall, we were hearing from the nurses on duty that they had already picked out their favorite squirrels. I had a nurse approach me to thank SCAD for helping to brighten up her work environment," said Wilson.
