Cochise Newsroom

Students create healing murals for local hospital

Students in an art course at Cochise College transformed healthcare spaces at Canyon Vista Medical Center through two murals designed to bring comfort, imagination and connection to patients and families.

Through the ART 292: Special Topics in Art: Mural course, students worked in two designated teams, with each team responsible for designing and completing one mural project in partnership with the hospital.

Installed in the Emergency Pediatric Room and Labor & Delivery Unit, the murals were developed specifically for their healthcare environments and audiences while sharing a common goal of creating visually supportive and welcoming spaces.

"The Emergency Pediatric Room mural draws inspiration from the rainforest and features lush vegetation, flowing water and vibrant wildlife, said JenMarie Zeleznak, art instructor. "The imagery was designed to encourage curiosity, provide gentle distraction and create a sense of wonder for young patients and their families during stressful or unfamiliar moments."

The Labor & Delivery Unit mural reflects the landscapes and wildlife of southeastern Arizona. "Quail serve as a central visual narrative throughout the piece, alongside imagery connected to water, rest, renewal, peace and togetherness," added Zeleznak. "The mural moves through scenes that symbolize transition, community and new beginnings."

The project unfolded across the 16-week semester. During the first half of the course, students met with representatives from Canyon Vista Medical Center, formed teams, conducted research and developed collaborative proposals tailored to each location. Students refined their concepts through feedback from hospital staff before preparing the large-scale wall transfers and completing the murals during the second half of the semester.

Throughout the process, students balanced concept development, craftsmanship, communication and adaptability while working within the demands of an active healthcare environment.

“Foundational studio courses are where students build the technical, observational and conceptual skills that support their growth as artists,” said Zeleznak. “A course like this allows them to take those skills into a real-life environment where they must apply them with greater purpose, flexibility and accountability.”

Zeleznak said the experience gave students an opportunity to see how their creative work can contribute to the community in meaningful and lasting ways.

“Instead of making work only for the classroom, students are creating for an actual site and community partner,” Zeleznak said. “That kind of applied experience can be especially meaningful because it helps students recognize the broader value of their training and what their creative skills can do in the world.”

The partnership also provided students with experience in collaborative communication, project management, design thinking, environmental awareness and professional responsibility. Because the course centered on public art, students worked collectively to develop visual communication that responded thoughtfully to place and community.

“I am especially grateful to Canyon Vista Medical Center for seeing the value in this kind of applied learning and for creating space for students to contribute in a way that feels real, meaningful and connected to community,” Zeleznak said.

The murals are part of Canyon Vista Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to creating welcoming and calming spaces for patients, visitors and staff.

“Healthcare settings can feel stressful or impersonal, and incorporating local art helps humanize our spaces, reflect the character of our community and support overall well-being,” Natoyah Swift from Canyon Vista Medical Center shared in a statement.

The murals were unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Canyon Vista Medical Center on May 7.

Student Artists on the Emergency Pediatric Room Mural Team

Natalie Andres

Clarissa Guerrero

Maebeleine Salminen

Brooke Spiczka

Karl Sullivan

Gabriella Wyatt

Student Artists on the Labor & Delivery Unit Mural Team

Imari Kirkland

Hope Marshell

Roselene Miguel