Local Artist Paints Mural in Brazil for Cleft Palate Patients

He's appeared on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and created fantasy-themed bedrooms for kids around the world.

Recently, Jason Hulfish added a new feat to his resume: mural painter for cleft palate patients in Brazil.

Hulfish partnered with FUNDEF in Lajeado, Brazil to paint the mural after FUNDEF won a contest sponsored by Smile Train, a New York nonprofit that conducts cleft palate surgeries.

We recently talked to Hulfish, who recently returned from Brazil, about the mural project.

On how he got involved with Smile Train: "A Smile Train employee is close friends with one of my clients. He became familiar with my work and approached me about working with Smile Train. Once I reviewed the charity and witnessed the difference Smile Train makes in the lives of the children and adults with cleft, there was no doubt that I was going to participate."

Where the mural at the hospital will be located, and what will it be of: "The mural will be located in the main waiting area (lobby). The concept is going to be a wacky Candy Factory with visual imagery that represents the transformation of the patients and the role of Smile Train. The candy factory concept was chosen by the hospital. The city where the hospital is located is home to two major candy factories and employs many people in the community."
  
On what he hopes his work provides to patients who view it: "My hope is that the patients (mostly children) will view it as a distraction from their real life challenges and bring them some joy while they begin the process of smiling again."

For more information on Hulfish, go to https://jfishart.com.