When the Johns Hopkins Hospital opens the Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center in Baltimore in May 2012, the building will be filled with more than 500 pieces of art—including many works by MICA artists.

To foster a welcoming environment and ultimately enhance the healing process, artists and curator Nancy Rosen worked in collaboration with a team of architects to incorporate permanent art pieces that would work seamlessly with spaces throughout the building. These works include seven colorful dioramas of plush animals reading children's books made by Jennifer Strunge '04 (fiber) and a special alphabet created by Lauren P. Adams '11 (M.F.A. in Graphic Design) with help from Hopkins pediatric patients. The alphabet was later printed by Baltimore Print Studios, co-owned by Kyle Van Horn '03 (painting) and Kim Bentley '08 (graphic design).

Adams spoke about working with young patients at the April 12 ribbon cutting ceremony attended by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Maryland Governor Michael O'Malley, Senator Barbara Mikulski and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

MICA alumni and faculty with work featured in the Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center:

• Lauren P. Adams '11 (M.F.A. in Graphic Design), graphic design faculty
• Susie Brandt, fiber chair
• Alexander Heilner, associate dean of design and media
• Allegra Marquart, printmaking faculty
• Christine Neill, painting faculty and coordinator for professional development
• Rachel Selekman '85 (visual communications)
• Jennifer Strunge '04 (fiber)
• Renee Van der Stelt, M.F.A. in Studio Art and foundation faculty
• Eva Wylie, printmaking faculty
• Karen Yasinsky, animation faculty