OhioHealth Mansfield Brightens Pediatric Unit with Student Artwork
OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital is helping to give students an outlet to express themselves through creativity and art, while diving into the question, “What Does Healthy Mean to You?”. In November, Mansfield Hospital hosted its first pediatric art contest to support and encourage young artists in the community. Mansfield then hosted an art showcase to announce the winners of the contest. This community-based competition inspired students to dive deeper into what it means to be healthy to them.
Pediatric Nurse Heather Nicol expresses that going through the admission process can be exhausting and lengthy, so it is important to help families know that the pediatric unit is available and welcoming. “Just for them to see it not so intimidating and see art that matches something they may have an interest in,” Nicol said. “Awareness that our unit is here and letting the community put their fingerprints on our walls was really the two-fold goal".
K-12 students in the area were invited to submit artwork that expressed the theme, “What Does Healthy Mean to You?”. They then narrowed down the submissions to a top 10, displaying the winners throughout the pediatric lobby.
One student, Kenzingtyn Couch, said her artwork was inspired by a deep personal connection. “My piece is showcasing people with different conditions because I live with a few different conditions,” she said. “I would like to let people know even if you are living with a condition, it doesn’t mean you aren’t healthy.”
Dr. Martin Hanawalt, medical director of the pediatric hospital program, made a speech during the event to congratulate and honor the participants. Dr. Hanawalt said, “Art has a unique ability to bring comfort, hope and peace. Particularly in a hospital setting. The work of these artists will do exactly that.”
