Hope Grows Here Mural

Project Summary

This mosaic mural was brought to life by the artists of Piece by Piece, under the creative leadership of Dawn Mendelson and Luz Mack-Durini, with project management by Lauren Lancy, whose coordination ensured a smooth process from concept through installation.

Installed at the entrance to the emergency department, just as patients and care teams arrived from the ambulance bay, the piece was thoughtfully designed to offer an immediate sense of calm, hope, and reassurance in a critical moment. The message “Hope Grows Here” was rendered as three distinct mosaic elements, arranged in a gentle, flowing S shape that created movement and visual interest as viewers entered the space.

In the studio, Piece by Piece artists worked together to fabricate each component, contributing to the lettering, material selection, and assembly. The process balanced efficiency with artistry, incorporating larger tile pieces and precision-cut elements alongside hand-crafted details that added texture and individuality. Recycled materials were thoughtfully integrated, bringing both sustainability and depth to the final work.

Butterflies and a dragonfly were created as individual appliqués, symbolizing transformation and resilience. These elements, finished with gold and metallic accents, added a sense of light and uplift, catching the eye and reinforcing the mural’s message.

Throughout the project, Dawn Mendelson and Luz Mack-Durini guided the team in maintaining the integrity of the design while fostering a supportive, skill-building environment for the artists, while Lauren Lancy oversaw timelines, communication, and delivery to ensure the project came together seamlessly.

The completed mural now welcomes everyone entering the emergency department with a quiet but powerful reminder of possibility, resilience, and care, a reflection of both City of Hope’s mission and the many hands that came together to create it.

This work brings the Piece by Piece model to life, pairing paid artist opportunities with projects that support communities, while advancing wellness, confidence, and economic opportunity through art. PIece by PIece certified artists who worked on this project: Jose M., Norma C., Hilda M., Abraham R., Rosa C., Andrea S., Hugo S.,