UNEXPECTED!

While working on the mural this past Friday, November 2nd, 2011 I noticed something unusual in the hallway. An adolescent boy ( approximately 15 years of age) was wheeled down the hall wearing an orange jump suit with a blanket covering his lap. I watched as he stood up from the wheelchair at the parking structure end of the hallway. His hands were cuffed in front at waist level. The orange jump suit had struck me as out of place. Shortly after this, another young man, blanket over hands was wheeled in the direction of the emergency room.

 I was unaware that Juvenile Detention patients would be cared for at the hospital. I never really thought about it, I guess presuming that their holding location would have full medical facilities.

The hallway we are painting in is non stop action filled with a multitude of happenings!

JOB SHADOWING HOSPITAL PHOTOGRAPHER

I know one of the hospital staff photographers, having met him while part of a College for Creative Studies collaborative painting project. The painting hangs in the Cardiology Department of Children's Hospital. He photographed all of the paintings that hang in the examining rooms and the artists who created them. This installation was completed in 2009.

I have spoken with him and Grace Sera, Art Advisor of Children's Hospital about Stephanie and I accompanying him as he photographs surgical procedures in the operating room. I am interested in this unique experience as I am an avid photographer having freelanced with the Detroit News from 2004 to present. And also having received a grant from National Geographic in 1998 to work with children using one-time-use panoramic cameras on the grounds of their orphanage ( St. Vincent and Sarah Fischer) located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The site is now closed.

I will blog about this hospital photography experience at a future date as the details are still being worked out. Initially, I was not even aware that a hospital would have staff photographers in house. Makes sense tho when you consider malpractice lawsuit possibilities, etc.

GIRL SCOUT MONET PAPER MOSAIC PROJECT

Stephanie and I met with Grace Sera, Art Advisor for Children's Hospital to discuss creating a paper mosaic in the style of Monet waterlilies with area Girl Scouts. The completed artwork is to hang in the Pediatrics Department of the hospital. We are scheduled to work with the girls on Friday, December 2nd, 2011.

Stephanie created a colorful marker sketch as a working idea for the paper mosaic project. Grace and I both loved the design. Grace is now going to order all the supplies needed for the project. I am really looking forward to working with the girls!

Friday, November 2nd, 2011

MURAL AND OTHER HOSPITAL DOINGS

Stephanie and I continued painting the mural, this time adding Seurat like dots of color to create sand bars. Seaweed is going to be painted next in order to bring the wall into a complete visual experience for all who pass through this area of the hospital.

We also got to meet two art teachers from Orion, Michigan area elementary schools (3rd and fifth grade). Their students created many of the ceramic sea creatures that are a part of the hallway mural.

Friday, November 4th, 2011