VCU Children's Medical Center to host art exhibit open house

By Michael Ford
University News Services

WHAT: An open house to unveil the walls of the Children's Medical Center at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, which have been transformed into windows to the world thanks to 34 murals designed to educate and encourage pediatric patients recovering from serious illness or injury.

Funded with a $20,000 gift from the MCV Hospitals Auxiliary of the VCU Health System, the murals depict different countries and the plants, animals and architectural references associated with them. The murals range in size from 8 feet by 4 feet to 3 feet by 3 feet.

The murals, called "Open Doors to Knowledge," represent scenes from nine countries, including the United States, Mexico, Australia, China, India and Tanzania. The murals were painted by artist Colleen Hall, who also provided the art work for the ASK Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic.

WHERE:  VCU Medical Center, Main Hospital, 1250 E. Marshall St., 7th Floor, Conference Room

WHO:    The artist, several hospital officials and pediatric patients.          

WHEN:  Sept. 24, 2004, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.