Phoenix Children’s Unveils 407-Foot Mural to Instill Hope, Healing for Patient Families

Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Arizona recently unveiled a 407-foot commissioned mural that has transformed a heavily trafficked corridor into a captivating and exciting journey for children and their families. Nearly two years in the making, the art installation, called “Wonder And Wander,” brings vibrant colors and imaginative designs to a major hospital hallway through which 70,000 children are transported each year.

The installation is a collaboration between the hospital and RxART, a nonprofit organization that aims to help children heal through the power of visual art. It is the largest project ever completed by RxART. Contemporary artist Shara Hughes, whose art has been displayed in museum exhibitions worldwide, was enlisted to create the landscape piece.

Hughes used colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, marker and crayon on paper – materials familiar to children – to create “Wonder And Wander.” The design was then enlarged and transferred to a hospital-safe, custom wall-covering application.

Photos courtesy of Phoenix Children’s Hospital