Children’s artwork brings color and comfort to Pediatric ICU renovation

Local elementary school students are bringing color, encouragement and comfort to families in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at UC Davis Health while construction crews modernize patient rooms.

The artwork, created by students at Cowan Fundamental Elementary School, covers the construction containment windows, replacing plain brown paper with cheerful drawings, encouraging messages, smiling faces and bright colors.

The project began with an idea from John Sandberg, a project manager with DPR Construction, who wanted to make the temporary construction area more welcoming.

“As I walked the corridors after construction containment was installed, I wanted to find a way to brighten the space and bring some level of positivity,” Sandberg said.

Sandberg asked students at his daughter’s school to create artwork with positive messages for children and families facing difficult times.

Sandberg said the students’ artwork captured exactly what he had hoped for.

The students later learned how their artwork would be used during a school assembly attended by about 150 students. Sandberg spoke about DPR Construction, the Pediatric ICU renovation and the impact the children’s artwork would have on young patients and their families.

While construction continues behind the temporary walls, the colorful displays serve as a reminder that healing environments are shaped not only by new equipment and renovated spaces but also by community kindness.

“I’ve seen firsthand the power of support,” Sandberg said. “I’m beyond proud of what the kids from Cowan did for Pediatric ICU patients and families.”