On Tuesday, a new mural titled “Where Care, Love & Hope are Naturally Abundant” was unveiled at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Recently, local artist Matt McLeod was commissioned by ACH to bring a set of 10 paintings to create a permanent work of art that will change the public experience within ACH.
“At the risk of sounding corny, it’s an absolute honor to have my work hanging there,” McLeod says. “I wanted to create something that could provide a fun moment, an opportunity for a kid to be imaginative and get lost in the scene. If you can do that, it’s all worth it, and I don’t take that opportunity lightly.”
The mural consists of ten panels, covering two floors, with a 360-degree-view in the elevator atrium of ACH. It’s easy to imagine yourself in one of the paintings, either biking one of the many trails in Arkansas or floating along the Buffalo River.
“This mural is an attempt to be the other part of the equation, to go hand-in-hand with the healing that happens at ACH,” McLeod says. “There are amazing physical transformations going on at this hospital, and if I can be a part of the mental or spiritual aspect of the healing process, that’s the greatest thing you can do as an artist.”
The mural includes images of children and families canoeing, biking and camping in the 10 panels around the atrium. Not only does the mural invite a sense of wonder, but it pays homage to the natural beauty and outdoor recreation that’s abundant in Arkansas.
Below is a video filmed by ACH about the process behind McLeod’s mural before the big unveiling.