Tools and Resources > Mural Gallery

Since 2005 the Centre has developed a special partnership with the Ottawa School of Art. Through this partnership young artists have produced four mental health-themed murals that are prominently displayed at the Centre. The main goals of the mural project are to use art as a vehicle for raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental health, and to get young people talking to each other about mental health issues.

As part of the mural project students who participate attend information and discussion sessions and then work in groups to create the visuals and messages that reflect their visions of mental health.

2008

This year’s mural – entitled "Overcome" – was officially unveiled at CHEO in a ceremony recognizing Mental Illness Awareness Week.

	“Overcome” theme for the 2008 Mural Project
2008 Mural Artists: Stephen Blakeney, Fiona Cooligan, Lidia Eldson, Katrin Emery, Lily Grubisic, Ashley Lopez-Mendoza, Chanelle Muise, Hillary Quinn-Austin, Christian Quirouette, Markel Simard, Emily Waite, Aidan Wilson, Michelle Winckle - with guidance and assistance from instructor Adam Davidson, co-op student Gabrielle Latreille, and volunteer Guillermo Trejo of the Ottawa School of Art.

13 students participated in creating Overcome, which is accompanied by a poem the students wrote to describe the feelings expressed in the mural.

"Your World"

A single thought can blossom into a beautiful world.
Break the boundaries of your mind…let it grow.
Tear down the wall that traps your thoughts…let it grow.
Unleash yourself and awaken cloudy memories of the past…let it grow.
Grab hold of your dream…let it grow.
Think openly and your world will grow.

2007

In 2007, students created a mural using the concepts of freedom, rebirth, and overcoming difficulties. The eagle, flying away from darkness, represents strength and courage. The youth agreed that theme for this artwork “Soar to New Heights” is a powerful message for all those involved in child and youth mental health.

	“Soar to New Heights ” theme for the 2007 Mural Project
2007 Mural Artists: Janelle Bossé, Kathryn Carreau, Genevieve Hogg, Salomon Schroeter, Emanuel McAuliff, Paul Harrison, Emilie Rabeau, Julie Meilleur, John Peippo - led by Adam Davidson (Instructor) and Scott Gauthier (volunteer) of the Ottawa School of Art

2006

In 2006, students created a mural that focused on breaking down the stigma of mental health by imagining what a world without stigma would look like.

	“A World Without Stigma” theme for the 2006 Mural Project
2006 Mural Artists: Claire Brascoupé, Alan Hay, Sébastien Lemire-Mulato, Angeliqua Pauzé - led by Adam Davidson of the Ottawa School of Art

In addition to their mural, the students also wrote a poem to reflect their theme:

A World Without Stigma Would Be…
A world of peace and equality where positive energy and happiness would be in abundance.
A world where acceptance and helping comes naturally.
A world where everyone is included, where differences are not boundaries.
A world of unity and the importance of being unique.

2005

In 2005, students collaborated over a three-day period to develop a mural based on the Vincent van Gogh quote “I dream my painting and then I paint my dream”.

	"I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream” theme for the 2005 Mural Project
2005 Mural Artists: Liora Altman, Martin Diegel, Laura Dwyer, Tobin Gibson, Lisa Halton, Vanessa Nostbakken, Mark Paul, Jonas Pauzé - led by Adam Davidson (Assistant Leader) and Chantal Dahan (Artist Instructor) of the Ottawa School of Art

If you are interested in doing a child and youth mental health-themed mural with your class, community group, etc, you may be eligible for funding from the Centre. Please visit the Centre's Dare to Dream Program website for more funding information and for information on other youth engagement opportunities.