On June 9, the Methodist Children’s Hospital officially opened an expansion of its emergency department, and students from North East School of the Arts (NESA) left a vivid and colorful mark on the opening ceremony and facility for years to come.

During the ceremony, the hospital welcomed back an old friend from the 2002 American Cancer Society Cow Parade. Donated to the hospital, the once beautiful cow had not been sealed properly and did not withstand the extreme temperatures of South Texas as she stood outside the facility.

Instead of putting her out to pasture, the hospital turned to NESA art students and their instructor Jennifer Janak. The students repaired the cow and created a new work of art. Unveiled just prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, “Gertrude” will stand faithfully to welcome children and their families to the hospital.