Sudbury – A new multi-panelled handmade mural is hanging on the wall of the Pediatric Unit at Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord (HSN), thanks to a partnership between HSN and Cambrian College.

Students in Cambrian’s Graphic Design and Art and Design Fundamentals programs teamed up with the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at Health Sciences North to create the mural, which measures 24 feet long by 4 feet wide, and is divided in three sections. The official unveiling of the mural was held today in the Pediatric Unit of HSN. During the unveiling ceremony, students at Cambrian College also made a $300 donation to the Pediatrics Unit.

“We are thrilled by the generosity of the Graphic Design and Art and Design Fundamentals students at Cambrian College and their coordinator, Johanna Westby, who partnered with us to brighten up our Pediatric Unit,” says Diane Belanger-Gardner, Administrative Director of the Family and Child Program at HSN, which includes the Pediatric Unit. “Families, staff and patients have commented on how nice and bright the murals are and how they created a cheerful environment on the Pediatric Unit."

Graphic Design and Art and Design Fundamentals students at Cambrian College contacted HSN’s pediatric department to create the mural as a philanthropic project. Students raised money themselves to pay for all materials and supplies and devoted 1000 hours to painting the mural. They wanted the abstract design to keep the viewer’s brain busy. The students chose tranquil, calming and energizing colours for a positive effect.

“I’m proud of our students for taking the initiative to put their skills to work in the community,” said Cambrian College President Sylvia Barnard. “This is another example of the service-learning that happens at Cambrian. In this case, our students learned about community collaboration in order to create something very special for patients, staff, parents and visitors.”

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Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord is grateful for the ongoing support of the community through its foundations, Health Sciences North Foundation and the Northern Cancer Foundation, and the HSN Volunteer Association.

Contact:

Dan Lessard

Media and Public Relations Officer

(705) 523-7118, ext. 4

(705) 507-4031 c

dlessard@hsnsudbury.ca

For further information about the HSN and its services, visit our website, www.hsnsudbury.ca

Cambrian College’s Music Program Coordinator Brenda Arrowsmith will be receiving the Woman of Distinction award in the arts category from the YWCA Sudbury in recognition of her volunteer work, her support for many music activities in the community, and the impact she has had on the lives of students. The award will be presented at the YWCA’s sixth annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala on May 5.

“Being a part of the Cambrian music community has helped to foster my strong connection with the local community,” she said. “Although it isn’t necessary to be given an award for something I enjoy doing, it’s an honour to be recognized. I am especially touched to learn that many former students contributed to this nomination as well as some of my peers, for whom I have so much respect. It’s very humbling.”

Arrowsmith, who has been a faculty member at Cambrian since 1983, has earned a number of awards over the years, including Community Volunteer Awards and Cambrian’s President’s Award for Excellence. She has been the principal clarinetist with the Sudbury Symphony for almost 30 years and served as the rehearsal conductor for six years. Arrowsmith has also been involved with the Sudbury Youth Orchestra for over 20 years, is a supporter of local festivals and school music programs, assists with the Northern Ontario Honour Concert Band, and is a member of the Nickel City Highlanders Pipe Band.