Our History

Splashes of Hope was founded in 1996 by Heather Buggée as a reaction to her own life experiences in standard medical settings. During her tenure at art school Heather spent much time with a close friend who was bedridden in a local hospital, suffering from Hodgkin's disease.

Throughout that time the two began to plan how they could change the hospital surroundings.   Propelled by their artistic instincts, they saw that it might be possible to make the institution’s environment a place that was more conducive to the healing process by improving its aesthetics and adding positive imagery. 

When her friend passed on to that "big gig in the sky", Heather decided that she would put their plans into action.

The first request came from Blythedale Children's Hospital where the nurses asked for hand-painted ceiling tiles for bedridden children.  The imagery could be used in various areas of the hospital, and can be easily removed and replaced. A child having a particularly difficult time could have a tile added to his or her room to create a visual stimuli to take their imagination beyond hospital walls.      

Heather's first mural project was also at Blythedale Children's Hospital in Valhalla, NY. Upon hearing positive feedback from staff, patients and family members, Heather created Splashes of Hope.  

"Your train was painted in such a way that the children think it is looking at them,and as a result they talk to the train.  It has reduced crying, stress and the fear children naturally feel when entering a treatment room." 

       Maureen Desimone, Blythedale Children's Hospital

Since its inception, over 200 volunteers have helped make Heather’s vision of colorful and comforting hospital interiors a reality.  

Today Splashes consistently works with 40 volunteers and employs 3 full-time professional artists and a part-time adminstrator. Additionally, we have an Executive Board and Advisory Board of dedicated business leaders and professionals. It has been through the firm support of every one of these dedicated members that Splashes of Hope has been able to blossom and grow into an international organization, receiving mural requests from facilities throughout the United States and the world.