Community art piece unveiled at Montreal Children’s Hospital

There was something big unveiled at The Montreal Children’s Hospital on Tuesday: a BIG masterpiece.

A first of many kid-friendly works of art helping make the hospital a more warm and welcoming environment for children of all ages and abilities.

“We wanted to show caring,” said mural designer, Lewis Lavoie. “We wanted it to feel welcoming because the hospital is relatively new and this is the entrance.”

“It’s their first contact with the hospital as this entrance,” he added. “We wanted the mural to convey something that’s friendly and loving.”

The artwork measures 8 meters by 5 meters and the grand reveal began at 10 a.m. at the main entrance of the hospital.

The mural — entitled “Precious Bonds” — appears to be a single image at a first glance. Upon closer inspection, one can see that it’s made up of 750 individually painted tiles.

Tiles that were designed by patients, parents, health professionals, volunteers, donors, and Quebec artists.

“This will be the first of many kid-friendly works of art commissioned by The Children’s Foundation’s healing Arts Project,” reads a press release.

“I numbered everything in the back and I knew exactly where every tile was going to go and we came back and it was all hand glued onto the wall,” said Lavoie.

“I did mine right here,” said artist, Jessica Loft. “This is on Jordan’s Principle and Every Child Matters.”

“It was a real honor to be able to participate in this beautiful work of art.”

Together, the tiles create the beautiful image of a majestic humpback whale and her calf swimming with the Montreal skyline in the background.

Symbolically, it can represent staff guiding young patients through their journey at the hospital.

Mathieu Richard is the father of a former patient. He said that this mural makes him feel emotional.

“Four years ago, she was hospitalized for a year in the PQ and the NICU with a lot of complications. So, it’s like very emotional today just to see our little paint on the wall,” said Richard.

“It’s more than being proud,” said Lavoie. “I’m honored.”

“They’re so talented,” he added. “This mural is made up of sheer talent from Quebec.”