Floating Dogwood

Floating Dogwood by artists Michele Tremblay and Polly Apfelbaum was inspired by Michele’s time in the oncology ward fighting cancer. Those on the oncology wing are not allowed flowers, so the artists wanted to provide beauty to them in a different way. The mural includes ladybugs hidden throughout as a way to continually engage those who are in the hospital long-term; they can discover new images in it as they look at it daily. Funded by Michele’s friend and art-loved Christina Morin Graham, this piece is a community effort that serves the community.

When Michele Tremblay was diagnosed with leukemia, she was hospitalized at Jefferson Hospital, staring at the one window that looked out on a blank wall. When she was released from the hospital, she strove to give something back to all the people who took care of her as well as to the other patients who have to spend their time in an uninspiring space while receiving treatment.