Community art brightens the waiting room on 11 Victoria

Maria Valverde is living life to the fullest despite a lung cancer diagnosis. A talented artist, Maria is
bringing joy to others and using her art to build community.

Currently a volunteer with Nova Scotia Health, she worked closely with Volunteer Services to develop a community art project for cancer patients who are receiving treatment at the QEII Cancer Centre in Halifax.

The finished painting, a self-portrait with her housekeeping cart, includes elements of both Nova
Scotia and Spain where she previously lived. In the painting, Maria used the Nova Scotia tartan, blue
material for her skirt to represent flamenco dance and postcards of flamenco dancers. The idea for the various shades of yellow on the painting and the many daffodils was inspired by a visit with her
daughter years ago to the Cancer Daffodil Park in Dartmouth.

“I was surrounded by hundreds of flowers and sunshine and was feeling very loved, so I wanted to
share that experience with all those affected by this disease,” Maria says.

The many daffodils included in the painting were coloured by patients who were waiting for
appointments. Maria provided the paper daffodils for patients to colour and then figured out a way to apply these to the canvas.

“I wanted a make a positive, hopeful piece of community art that would bring comfort and joy.”

Thank you, Maria, for sharing your positive energy and talents with patients and families. Maria’s painting is on the wall in the waiting room on 11 Victoria. It will eventually have a home at the new cancer centre when it is built and operational.