When patients walk through the doors of Neighborhood Health Center (NHC) clinics, they’re greeted by more than medical care – they’re embraced by the vibrant colors of a mural that tells the story of hope, community, and belonging.  These striking works of art, created by local artist Una Kim, transform the clinic into spaces of hope, bridging the gap between healthcare and human connection.

Local artist Una Kim's latest mural for NHC is displayed at NHC Canby Medical and Dental Clinic.

“I absolutely love the idea that my art is helping folks through NHC.  I feel right at home,” says Kim, whose latest piece – a sweeping two-story mural – now spans the staircase between the medical and dental clinics at NHC’s Canby location.  It’s her fifth piece at NHC, and each piece is as unique as the community it serves.

Kim’s artistic vision extends beyond decoration. At NHC Tanasbourne Medical and Dental Clinic, she incorporated local bridges and landmarks into her design, creating a powerful visual metaphor for NHC’s mission of “bridging the gap” in healthcare access.  Each mural is thoughtfully designed to reflect the distinct character of each clinic, drawing inspiration from conversations with staff members about each of the clinic’s unique community identity.

The creation of these murals also serves as a teaching ground for the next generation of artists.  As an art instructor at Portland State University, Kim uses each mural as a hands-on learning opportunity for students.  Her students volunteer their time and talent, learning painting techniques while leaving their own creative mark on the community spaces they paint.  Kim’s collaborative approach adds layers of meaning to each piece, weaving together diverse artistic voices into a unified vision.

The Canby clinic mural stands apart in Kim’s portfolio at NHC.  Unlike her previous works for NHC, which were partially painted on panels with student assistance, this newest creation was almost entirely painted by Kim herself, directly on-site.  By painting directly onto the walls instead of panels, Kim forged a deeper connection with the space and piece, making this her favorite among all her NHC projects.

Behind these inspiring works stands an artist with her own powerful story of community and transformation. Born in South Korea, Kim immigrated to Los Angeles at sixteen and went on to receive an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and a graduate degree from the Parsons School of Design. Today, her work speaks to audiences nationally, internationally, and locally at our clinics Oregon.

For more information about Una Kim, visit unakim.net.