A five-part series highlighting the local artists commissioned to contribute original artwork to the new clinic
This is part three of a five-part series. Tune in each Friday to see more of our featured local artists.
On March 7, 2022, Seattle Children’s new Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic (OBCC) opened the doors to begin serving patients from a second location in the Othello Square complex. In order to deepen the connection with the area, some 21 artists from the local community who are Black, Latinx or Indigenous were commissioned to contribute more than 30 pieces of original artwork in the new building. Using the guiding principles of art that would support health through nature, celebrate inclusiveness, cultivate wonder and joy, and celebrate and honor history, artwork was carefully selected and placed throughout the clinic to enrich the space. Take a journey below through the special artwork showcased throughout the clinic.
Vikram Madan
“The tree is a metaphor for shelter and community, a gathering place for ‘birds’ of different kinds. Birds, like humans, often make long migrations, which highlight not just their tenacity, but also their fragility and resilience. This artwork uses birds and trees to celebrate diversity, neighborhood, and welcoming community spaces.”
Michelle Kumata
“Celebrating the playful moments and quiet times that strengthen connections between parent and child.”
Paige Pettibon
“In my culture, cedar provides many gifts and is used to cleanse space and bring in good medicine. Basket designs indicate vessels that hold medicine. Four Indigenous youth represent the four sacred directions, carrying four sacred medicines in their baskets. The mountain provides us with water and life. I hope families recognize that our cultures share similar basket traditions and connections.”
Juan Alonso Rodriguez
“My work is inspired by the wrought iron my father designed and fabricated for our home in Cuba and those who came to the family shop for their artisanship. I made art that is playful enough for the children at the clinic, but also stylized and sophisticated to hold any adult’s interest. The works for the various areas throughout the clinic are unique but also related, much like a family tree.”
