bringing ‘color to the lives of more kids’
During Hispanic Heritage Month, three Latina artists painted portraits inspired by patient stories and motivated donors to give back.
One piece depicts a simultaneous glimpse into a teen’s past, present and future. Another painting showcases a tender portrait of a young girl’s resilience. And the last is a dreamy scene of a middle-school boy’s triumph.
Helping Children’s Health℠ celebrate and connect with community members during Hispanic Heritage Month, three Latina artists poured their creative talent into a collection of paintings inspired by the incredible stories of several patients.
“I am delighted to contribute to Children's Health through my art to bring color to the lives of more kids,” said Arely Morales, one of the participating artists.
In collaboration with the Latino Arts Project — a cultural initiative dedicated to showcasing the art, history and voices of the Latino community — the collection, titled “Obras de Esperanza,” or “Colorful Stories,” exhibited from mid-September to early October at the Adolphus Tower Gallery.
While the paintings were initially slated for auction to benefit Children’s Health, the Latino Arts Project found a buyer for the full collection and asked that each piece be gifted to the patients who inspired it.
“This donation makes a difference and will be a treasured memory for the youth themselves,” said Tina Medina, one of the participating artists.
‘Jairo’s Journey’
Viola Delgado, a prolific visual artist whose creative practice is deeply rooted in exploring the transformation of thought into color, line and form, took inspiration from Jairo, a cystic fibrosis patient, and the deep love between him and his mother.
“When I heard Jairo's story, I definitely knew I had to paint it,” she said. “What motivated me the most was that (he and his family) didn't give up.”
Titled “Jairo’s Journey,” Viola’s painting features Jairo’s past, present and future. Jairo is depicted as a baby, being held by his mother; a young boy looking out a window, standing between a Children’s Health nurse and the chaplain who brightened his days by dressing up as a luchador, or wrestler; and, off in the distance, grown up, wearing a graduation cap and gown.
“I have lots of nieces and nephews, some of whom have benefited from coming to Children’s Health,” Viola said. “I would really recommend people in the community to get involved and support the work they do.”
Viola’s work comes from the soul and heart. Her captivating art has been showcased extensively across North Texas and beyond. Internationally, her work has reached audiences in Munich, Prague and Torreón, underscoring her broad artistic reach.
As a prominent public artist, her large-scale works enrich shared spaces at the DFW International Airport, multiple DART stations in Dallas and the Latino Cultural Center.
‘Space Walk’
Tina Medina, an artist and educator based in Dallas, created a fantastical piece that invites viewers into the imagination of Trevor, a neuro-oncology patient, and gives a nod to an incredible moment in his cancer journey.
In the painting, Trevor, who visited Children’s Health to receive chemotherapy for a tumor in his brain, is illustrated as an astronaut suspended in space. With the moon behind him, he is shown ringing a bell like the one he rang to celebrate the end of his chemotherapy treatment in 2024.
“Growing up, my own family faced situations where relatives were often in the hospital,” Tina said. “My memories of those times remind me of others going through the same struggles and how much families with kids need support. I hope this painting makes a difference.”
Originally from West Texas, Tina’s artistic practice often explores themes that represent Mexican American voices within our community. Through her interdisciplinary approach, Tina aims to contribute to a richer and more inclusive artistic dialogue.
‘Victoria’
In her piece, Arely Morales, a distinguished artist originally from Mexico who now calls Fort Worth home, spotlights the kind eyes and sweet smile of Victoria, who was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Victoria, one of the first patients at Children's Medical Center Plano to benefit from a revolutionary immunotherapy treatment, has helped pave the way for other kids with leukemia. Despite facing the impossible, Victoria’s smile, hope and resilience never wavered.
Arely’s compelling work primarily focuses on portraiture, delving deep into universal themes of identity and humanity. Her art seeks to reveal the emotional complexity and profound depth of struggles and experiences that often go unseen.
Her art has been widely exhibited in renowned institutions like The National Museum of Mexican Art and was featured in the 2024 “Women to Watch” exhibition at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC.
The support of Hispanic donors spans beyond the celebrations around Hispanic Heritage Month, coming together throughout the year to help mejorar la vida de más niños. Visit dona.childrens.com to learn more about their incredible support.
2025 Spanish Campaign Fundraising totals:
Estrella MediaCo: $13,105
Día del Salvadoreño Festival: $3,075
Milagros para Niños (Miracles for Children) Radiothon: $140,587