Under the Northern Lights Mural

Done in: 02.2026 / Customer: HSC Children’s Hospital / Task: Illustration

About the project

In January 2026, I was honoured to be selected as one of 20 artists from 168 submissions to create artwork for the Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital. Artists were provided with a curated colour palette and asked to develop nature-themed concepts that would help create a welcoming, uplifting environment for young patients and their families.

My mural was inspired by the beauty and resilience of northern landscapes. Featuring familiar wildlife—including a polar bear, deer, wolf, eagle, and chickadee—alongside mountains and northern lights, the artwork creates a world where imagination, nature, and possibility coexist. The animals were chosen to represent strength, comfort, connection, and hope, while the panoramic composition gently surrounds viewers without overwhelming the space.

The mural incorporates a calming yet vibrant palette of deep purples, teals, soft pinks, and light blues, carefully selected to support a healing environment while maintaining a sense of wonder and joy. An interactive element invites children to place glow-in-the-dark stars throughout the artwork, encouraging participation and allowing each child to leave their own mark. As the stars illuminate at night, they offer moments of comfort, imagination, and reassurance.

Contributing artwork to a children’s hospital is one of the most meaningful projects of my career. It is a privilege to create something that may bring comfort, curiosity, and moments of happiness to children and families during challenging times. My hope is that this mural reminds every child who encounters it that anything is possible.