KBPA Commissions Massive ‘KBRH Gratitude Mural’ to Lift Spirits at KBRH
By Contributor
The Kootenay Boundary Physicians Association (KBPA) has commissioned a massive mural to be painted on the north and west wall at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) Trail by local Kootenay muralist Tyler Toews of Canadian Murals. The idea, which grew from the positive energy of last year’s Gratitude Garden installation, will flourish throughout May 2021 on the hospital’s back entrance.
Initially, Dr. Sue Benzer, KBRH Chief of Staff, inspired by the smiles the Gratitude Garden project at the back entrance brought to staff, proposed a smaller mural to go behind the garden. When Dr. Sue Babensee (Project Lead), the KBPA Working Group and Board explored options, the idea expanded into a 21-meter (70 feet) by 16-meter (55 feet ) 3-D commission for Toews.
Known for his passion about nature, Toews’ colourful murals can be seen on Nelson City Hall, the Rossland Cenotaph, and the BC Children’s Hospital. KBdoctors.ca are keen to share the progress of this exciting, one-of-a-kind project. They will record and post the mural’s development up the wall with a weekly video posted every Friday www.facebook.com/kbdoctors.ca(like and share).
“The proposed mural is a colourful, anamorphic design that will create an optical illusion as it interacts with the architecture of the building. Featuring a large red ribbon that forms a heart of gratitude, the completed painting will transcend the boundaries of spatial design and perception,” said Toews.
Mural’s mission
KBPA physicians teamed up to work out an inspired mural mission. The Physician Mural Design Team, KBPA Board Member and Project Lead, Dr. Sue Babensee; Dr. Susan Benzer, Dr. Peter Krampl, and Dr. Carolyn Stark, mutually chose ‘uplifting and joyful’ as the mural’s focus. The group unanimously agreed on a concept proposed by Toews.
“We wanted to give everyone associated with the hospital and in the community a visual that would lift their spirits,” said Dr. Babensee, “We felt this was so important as we all work our way through the pandemic and other health challenges together. It will hopefully be both a reflection of what we’ve achieved and motivate us to move forward.”
Art connections
Ruth Kohut, KBRH Director of Clinical Operations, gathered full support from Interior Health (IH) for this exciting art adventure.
“Art is what grounds us all individually as it reminds us to stop, reflect, and feel inspired,” Kohut said. “Art also enables connections with others by sharing stories about the world we live in, our culture, our communities.”
KBPA is proud to have this project which will reflect its community commitments and connections. The mural’s design, to be unveiled virtually as it progresses through May, will mirror the growth spring offers. The mural will give staff, visitors, and the community a memorable image to take with them.
Mural Design Team: Dr. Sue Babensee (Lead), Dr. Sue Benzer, Dr. Pete Krampl, Dr. Carolyn Stark
KBPA and MSA Board and Staff
Dr. Kristen Edge, Dr. Ian Sibbald, Dr. Dennis Small, Dr. Sue Babensee, James Brotherhood, Paul Edney, Kimberley Pegg
Interior Health key collaborators
Ruth Kohut, Jay Armstrong, Luc Senechal
Follow and contribute to the story on instagram @kbdoctors.ca @canadianmurals #KBRHGratitideMural
For details contact:
KBPA Mural Project Coordinator
Kimberley Pegg, kpegg@kbpa.ca
Cell: 250 231 5766
