UCS teachers display art with heart

UCS art teachers helped to brighten the day of patients at Children's Hospital of Detroit.

The K-12 department worked together to create an 4 by 8 foot mural along a hallway that leads to the emergency center for young children being brought to Children's Hospital.

It is the first of a series of underwater themed murals patients see as they enter the facility, and, according to Childrens' Hospital, has already made a positive impression.

"Even some of our toughest critics are asking -'who did that new display that just went up on the wall?' " said Grace Serra, art advisor for Children's Hospital.

The teachers created ceramic fish with clay and glazes donated by Amaco. UCS art teachers worked after school to create the display - first creating the pieces, firing them in a kiln and then glazing them. Teachers then created a map of how the pieces could come together into the mural.

"What was created in the art room was then brought here and transfered to the wall itself," said Karen Borbolla, K-12 Art Department Co-Chairperson.

The department's goal in the project was to give back to the community in a way to recognizes the healing power of art for young patients with ongoing medical needs.

"Our hope is that we just distract them for a little while, and bring them peace by taking them to a different place," said Josephine Braun, K-12 Art Department Co-Chairperson.