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MANSFIELD — What does healthy look like? For students across north central Ohio, the answer now shines on the walls of OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, bringing comfort, color and a sense of community to young patients.
On Thursday evening, the hospital hosted an open house to unveil the winners of its first-ever pediatric art contest, themed “What Does Healthy Mean to You?”
Families, hospital staff and community members gathered to celebrate the young artists whose colorful creations now adorn the space.
Young artists bring color and comfort to pediatric unit
High school sophomore student Kenzingtyn Couch was among the finalists. The inspiration for her piece carried deep personal meaning.
“My piece is showcasing people with different conditions because I live with a few different conditions,” she said. “I would like to let people know even if you are living with a condition, it doesn’t mean you aren’t healthy.”
Couch said she hopes viewers take away a sense of inclusion and understanding from her artwork. She also plans to continue creating art in the future, as it is something she has always loved.
Fourth-grade student Clint Gearhart was another finalist. He showcased his idea of healthy living in his artwork by painting a variety of fruits, which he said help make people stronger.
“It feels great knowing people will see my art,” Gearhart said.
He added he also plans to continue creating art in the future, as it is something he enjoys and has always done.
Creativity and community shaping the pediatric unit
“Seeing it come to fruition and the community get involved has been my favorite part,” pediatric nurse Heather Nicol said.
She said the idea for the art contest first took shape almost two years ago.
K-12 students from across north central Ohio were invited to submit artwork interpreting the theme, with up to 10 winning pieces chosen to be displayed in the pediatric unit lobby.
Nicol said they received 18 to 20 submissions before narrowing it down to the final 10. One of the primary goals, she noted, was to make the pediatric unit feel more welcoming.
“We do have adults on the outside of the hallway,” Nicol said. “Just for them to see it not so intimidating and see art that matches something they may have an interest in.”
“Frequently we have kids who come in and may have struggled at an urgent care, leading them to another clinic, then finally ending up here,” she said. “It can be an exhausting time.”
Because the admission process for pediatric patients can sometimes take time, Nicol said it was important to help families understand the unit is available and able to provide high-quality care close to home.
“Awareness that our unit is here and letting the community put their fingerprints on our walls was really the two-fold goal,” she said.
Nicol added that many of her patients consider art one of their favorite activities. She hopes the display will encourage them to get out of their rooms and brighten their day.
What does healthy mean to you?
Dr. Martin Hanawalt, medical director of the pediatric hospital program, also spoke during the event.
“Tonight we celebrate the creativity and imagination of these young artists, whose incredible work will bring comfort and inspiration to the patients on our pediatric unit,” Hanawalt said.
“To all the students who participated, congratulations — you have made a difference, and you are inspirational,” he said.
Hanawalt noted this year’s theme, “What Does Healthy Mean To You?” He said for him, being healthy means trying to eat well, getting outside for exercise and getting consistent sleep.
“Art has a unique ability to bring comfort, hope and peace,” he said. “Particularly in a hospital setting. The work of these artists will do exactly that.”
(Pictures from the 2025 Pediatric Art Contest. Credit: Hannah Martin)
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