Bringing Color to Healing: Local Students Brighten Hospital Views with Art
3/17/2025
When admitted to a hospital, the view from a window isn’t often a top concern, but can play a role in a patient’s comfort. While many rooms at Northwest Health – La Porte look out onto peaceful skies and tree tops and neighboring buildings, there are a few rooms that inevitably sit above lower hospital wings and offer stark views of rooftops and mechanical equipment.
While some might see these views as uninspiring, a local group of local high school artists saw something different - an opportunity to transform these views into something uplifting. Art students in Marybeth Lebo’s class at La Porte High School recently collaborated with Northwest Health – La Porte to design beautiful window clings to hide these stark views and instead add cheerful color to patient rooms.
About 50 students in grades 9-12 participated in the community service project, spending several hours on each window cling design while channeling their creativity into something meaningful, said Lebo, who serves as head of the high school’s art department.
“They loved experimenting with the vibrant colors and uplifting designs, knowing that their art would bring joy and positivity to the hospital patients,” she said. “It was incredibly rewarding for them to see how art can make a difference in someone’s day, especially in a hospital setting where comfort and hope are so important.”
Mark Casanova, CEO of Northwest Health – La Porte, says the window clings create a more comforting environment for patients and their families during a time when they may be feeling anxious or in need of encouragement.
“We are grateful for the creativity and generosity of these talented artists,” Casanova said. “Their artwork brings warmth and brightness to our patients’ experiences, reminding them that they are supported and cared for beyond the walls of the hospital.”
Lebo says it has been inspiring for the students to see how art and design can enhance healing environments. “This partnership has been an excellent way to connect our students’ talents with the community meaningfully, fostering creativity and compassion,” she said.
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