Hundreds of hand-painted tiles and butterfly wings carrying messages of hope now greet every visitor to Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.
The collaborative mural, titled "A Community in Bloom," was unveiled Thursday, July 23, just outside the doors of the center. Local artist Sandra Cooper designed the three-panel triptych, which festival attendees of all ages helped build one tile at a time during the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival weekend of Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12.
Children and adults painted wooden tiles using a floral paint-by-number design. They also painted blue sky panels and paper butterflies, writing words of hope and encouragement on the backs of the butterfly wings. Those butterflies were later incorporated into the finished piece as symbols of transformation.
Linda Nelson, director of Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center and director of business development and marketing at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, called the artwork a reflection of the community's character.
WATCH | Hello Woodlands Instagram reel of the unveiling
"This mural represents the strength and compassion of our community," Nelson said at the July 23 reveal. "Every tile reflects a moment of encouragement, creativity, and hope for the patients and families we serve."
The project began when The Woodlands Art League issued a call for artists to design an interactive community project for the festival. A selection committee chose Cooper's proposal, which transformed the individually painted tiles into a unified artwork. The mural's name came from a separate "Title the Art" community contest; Amanda Crawford submitted the winning entry.
Even rain during parts of the April festival weekend didn't slow participation. Festival patrons kept stopping by the tent to add their contributions, according to The Woodlands Arts Council, which funded the project. The effort was a three-way partnership between the Arts Council, The Woodlands Art League, and Canopy.
Hello Woodlands reported that the reveal drew representatives from all three organizations.
Canopy offers free services including art therapy, counseling, and exercise classes to anyone treated for cancer, regardless of where they received treatment. The center is also open to caregivers and family members at no cost. It can be reached at (713) 897-5939.
Coming up
The Woodlands Arts Council hosts the Woodlands Fine Craft, Art & Design Show on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, Town Center North Exhibit Hall.
