Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s) at Egleston and the nonprofit organization, Paint Love, Inc., collaborated to bring joy to the patients, families and volunteers of the children’s hospital the past few months with the creation of a giant under-the-sea-themed mural.

Paint Love brings extraordinary art projects to youth facing poverty and trauma through love and art and love of art. The organization provides its expertise through local, acclaimed artists and art supplies to teach lessons, share stories and provide words of encouragement to help children fully embrace the masterpieces they create.

The 80-foot mural, which was divided into eight 10-foot panels, was conceived by Children’s artist-in-resident Margaret Crane and designed by Paint Love artist Simone Wilson. Paint Love staff and volunteers led Egleston patients, families and Children’s volunteers in a kick-off party on May 7 in the garden to paint sections of the giant plywood mural.

The Artist-in-Residence program at Children’s employs a full-time artist at two different hospital locations to bring therapeutic and fun art projects to the children in the hospital. “Art provides pediatric patients a voice to express themselves along with a creative outlet during their recovery process,” expressed Crane. “Bright, colorful art is an impactful way to help children lessen their fear and feel more at ease while in a hospital.”

The second phase of the sea creature mural included dozens of custom laser-cut under sea animals like fish and crabs, which was transported room-to-room throughout the hospital for patients who were not mobile enough or unable to participate during the group events, ensuring that every child who wanted to participate was able to.

“We want to make sure that the first thing kids see before they enter the doors of the hospital is full of color and hope,” effused Paint Love executive director Laura Shaw. “What was once a drab corner of Children’s parking deck will be brought to life and will help kids feel calm and assured in a big, potentially scary, place while also including them in the creation process!”

A second Paint Love mural, with a whimsical animal theme, is in progress at Children’s Scottish Rite and will also be completed by the end of fall.

This project was sponsored in part by Gas South and Brasfield & Gorrie Construction, which donated the plywood and paint, and installed the mural upon completion. The Children’s Artist-in-Resident program is fully funded by individual donors and Paint Love is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that relies on community and donor support to help reach close to 10,000 children each year.

Paint Love will be hosting its Art Auction fundraiser and Project Impact Awards on October 26 in Decatur’s Color Wheel. The Art Auction will feature the artwork from June’s Artist Challenge along with other donated artwork from local artists. Details and tickets can be found on the Paint Love website.