Client: Methodist Hospital

Overview

We created a panoramic mural in the Watson Room for on the oncology ward at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, TX. A Watson Room is a quiet and safe space for team members to decompress or relax after experiencing stress in their work. The mural spaned two 12×10 walls. It was painted with acrylic paint and sealed with polycrylic.

Goals

Burnout and compassion fatigue are rampant among oncology nurses. In an effort to create a calming space for the oncology nurses to decompress while at work, Methodist Hospital contracted our organization, Hearts Need Art: Creative Support for Adults with Cancer, to transform an unused storage closet into a healing space. The mural was designed to be the central focus of the room and its design.

Process

We met several times with Patricia Viscardi, the Oncology Nurse Director, to discuss goals and design options. Artist Ashley Villalobos presented a few design options and one was selected. The design selected reflected the peaceful hill country surrounding San Antonio. Ashely painted a draft on a smaller canvas and then painted the mural based on that design.

Additional Information

The nurses describe the room as a "haven" and a place of peace and calm.