Elephant Wisdom

In 2002, the District of Columbia hosted a public art exhibit called Party Animals. Artists from all over the area were invited to submit designs to decorate an elephant or donkey-the symbols of our two main political parties.

We managed to submit a winning design! We proposed to cover an elephant with a mosaic of wishes, each sculpted and glazed in stoneware by patients and families. We called our elephant "Elephant Wisdom," and it became a colorful collection of wishes from small, "I wish I could win at Bingo!" to very big, "I wish for no more illness ever again."

We found there was something very beautiful and poignant about calling up one's heart's desires in the face of one's most profound fears. People found surprising connections in hearing what others wished for.

We were honored to be selected as one of eight animals displayed in the exhibit's inaugural event. We even had the pleasure of meeting the First Lady and having our picture taken with her and Washington, DC mayor Anthony Williams!

With the help of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Lee Kimchee McGrath Memorial Fund and a group of interested patrons, we were able to buy our elephant back at the end of the exhibit. Elephant Wisdom now stands on the Podium Level of Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, near the CCC building of the Hospital, where our patients, staff and visitors can enjoy it every day.

You-topia

To create an environment for our elephant, we made "You-topia," a 15x6 foot mosaic mural that is installed on the wall behind the elephant. Each child received a one-foot square section on which to depict his or her idea about what makes the world a better place. Kids, families and staff members depicted everything from ice cream and basketball to beautiful landscapes and powerful animals.

The center panel, representing a dove, wings outstretched, rising above a rainbow-filled sky, was begun on the anniversary of 9-11. It was designed by our art therapists as a vehicle for patients, staff, and families to contribute to a symbol of hope in the aftermath of tragedy.