With shades of violet and orange and an underlying nature theme, a colourful mural is now adorning both sides of the entrance to the Peterborough office of the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR).
On Tuesday (December 30), CMHA HKPR unveiled the mural by local artist Mickaela Baker, which the non-profit organization commissioned with the purpose of creating a welcoming and inclusive entryway for people accessing mental health care at CMHA HKPR’s location at 466 George Street North.
“The idea for the instalment of a mural at our George Street office entrance began with staff discussions at our internal equity and inclusion council about making CMHA HKPR spaces more welcoming for our diverse client population,” Kerri Kightley, CMHA HKPR director of programs and services, told kawarthaNOW.
“Initially, the idea was to improve a person’s experience of the front lobby by reducing the physical barriers, like doors, to accessing support,” Kightley added. “While removing doors was not possible, making the existing doors more beautiful and welcoming was our next best idea.”
Creating a welcoming atmosphere is essential when people access mental health care, CMHA HKPR noted in a media release.
“A thoughtfully designed environment can help reduce anxiety, foster a sense of safety, and signal that everyone is respected and valued. This mural reflects the resilience of the people we serve and the care our teams extend to those who walk through our doors. The new doorway serves as a visual reminder that mental health matters and that support is available.”
The physical environment plays “a critical role” in how people feel when they reach out for help,” added CMHA HKPR CEO Ellen Watkins. “This project is about more than art — it’s about creating a space that feels safe, inclusive, and supportive. We are so grateful to work with Mickaela Baker to bring this vision to life.”
The mural is intended to serve as a symbol of knowledge, hope and belonging, while “reinforcing CMHA HKPR’s commitment to making decisions guided by the needs and voices of the people we serve.”
By partnering with local artists, CMHA HKPR said it aims to strengthen its community connections and demonstrate its commitment to listening to, learning from, and truly seeing the people the agency supports as a mental health organization.
As for Baker, she has painted murals for other local businesses and organizations, including a large mural in the cultural room at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough.
