In anticipation of the fall opening of Cincinnati Children’s Critical Care Building, Cincinnati’s award-winning Kolar Design has curated over 1,100 pieces of art and 11 sculptures for the 632,500 square foot building.
The works were created by 34 professional artists and engaged over 500 pediatric patients, family representatives, numerous Children’s staff members and students from 15 Tri-State schools and universities.
Students from Ludlow High School and Walton-Verona High School and Northern Kentucky University participated in the project.
The Fountain of Life mural (Photo provided)
“It was a joy to help engage so many community members in such a significant project,” says Mary Dietrich, managing director at Kolar Design. “As the Cincinnati Children’s brand experience partner for more than two decades, Kolar has worked to create impactful spaces through branded environmental graphics, storytelling, donor recognition, wayfinding, and artwork programming.”
Kolar collaborated with other design team partners to ensure that the selected theme of “kaleidoscope” would be embedded within every aspect of the new building. The theme represents Cincinnati Children’s collaborative spirit and commitment to discovery, and celebrates the diversity of its patients, families and employees.
Before the original artwork and sculptures are viewed inside the state-of-the-art building, patients and visitors will be captivated by a huge, colorful mural called, “The Fountain of Life.” It is 27 feet tall by 15 feet wide.
The mural is a collaborative project of Kolar, Cincinnati Children’s and the area non-profit ArtWorks.
The group connected with community artists who embraced the kaleidoscope theme and the fact that the Emergency Department is often the introduction to the hospital — the first impression and experience. The project became an opportunity to link the community with the vision of Cincinnati Children’s.
“Fountain of Life” was chosen, based on the timeless Tyler Davidson Fountain located in the heart of Cincinnati’s Fountain Square. “The Lady” of the fountain has stood as a local landmark since 1871. The mural shows the home around her as a place of comfort, collaboration, discovery and safety for all people while the river below provides life and sustenance.
Throughout the rest of the facility framed works and sculptures were created by 34 professional artists and 379 Tri-State students representing 15 schools. Another 140 participants included patients, families, community members and 83 Cincinnati Children’s staff members.
