One of two murals created by artist Mélissa Del Pinto / Photo credit: Olivier Bousquet
Two new murals to contribute to the well-being of CHUM patients
Did you know? A study conducted at the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) by psychiatrist Dr. Nicolas Garel on ketamine-assisted therapy for people suffering from treatment-resistant depression and depression comorbid with alcohol use disorder is currently underway.
This study, based on the “modèle de Montréal” — a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Garel and his colleagues — aims to demonstrate that the effects of ketamine can be significantly prolonged when the medication is combined with a supportive therapeutic environment and weekly psychotherapy.
“At the CHUM, we believe that innovation in healthcare must always be accompanied by a deeply human approach. This study reflects our desire to better understand and improve the care experience of patients living with complex issues, focusing on scientific rigor, clinical support, and a thoughtful therapeutic environment,” says Dr. Paul LESPÉRANCE, Director of the Psychiatric Neuromodulation Unit at the CHUM.
.
Creating process by Mélissa Del Pinto, assisted by Diane Roe / Photo credit: Olivier Bousquet
But then, what does MU have to do with all this?
With a particular emphasis on subjective experience, humanization of care, and non-pharmacological factors, the CHUM wanted to redesign two treatment rooms to transform them into fully immersive therapeutic spaces. It is clear that these treatments can be unsettling, especially when the decor tends to be impersonal and neutral. That’s where MU comes in!
.
Before and after installation of the murals / Photo credit: Olivier Bousquet
Contributing to well-being through mural art
Providing welcoming and safe spaces through visual arts: it was with this innovative spirit that the CHUM called on MU’s expertise to produce two murals in their treatment rooms.
Designed to accompany psychiatric patients on their clinical journey, these works go far beyond mere beauty.
“At MU, listening carefully to the desired directions and needs is at the heart of our approach. We strive to propose artists and produce works that resonate as much with those who initiate the project as with the people who interact with them on a daily basis. We firmly believe that art has the power to contribute to well-being,” emphasizes Elizabeth-Ann Doyle, Executive and Artistic Director of MU.
.
Creating process by Mélissa Del Pinto, assisted by Diane Roe / Photo credit: Olivier Bousquet
Artistic direction focused on calm and escape
A dreamlike state, a feeling of floating, subtlety, empowerment… A whole meditative world unfolds through the works of Mélissa Del Pinto, the Montreal artist selected for the project.
Throughout her artistic journey, Mélissa has sought inspiration from her collection of seascapes, which bring warmth and softness to spaces. Carried by a dreamlike theme, these acrylic murals display a surprising complexity of colors, brushstrokes, details, and textures.
These landscapes reflect the profound transformation of consciousness. They invite us to let ourselves be carried away into a state of pure contemplation, where the mind can finally find peace.
.
Installation of the murals in treatment rooms at the CHUM / Photo credit: Olivier Bousquet
Are you familiar with the marouflage technique?
Because it is not always possible to occupy a space for several days — in this case, the rooms had to remain accessible at all times for treatments — MU offers an ingenious alternative: allowing the artist to create the work directly on canvas in our studios, then apply it to the walls using a strong adhesive to ensure optimal adhesion.
A method that requires precision and self-knowledge, but which proves to be practical and flexible in order to meet constraints while preserving the artistic integrity of the project.
When we say that MU wants art to be accessible, we mean in every sense of the word!
Would you like to collaborate with MU on a similar project?
[Published on February 23, 2026]