Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) has installed a large custom mural, adorning the southeast side of the hospital’s new parking structure. The mural, called “Gift of the Valley,” was painted by notable artist Tony Sheets.
The “Gift of the Valley” mural depicts large golden oranges, blossoms and leaves, inspired by the citrus industry that defines the origins of this region of Los Angeles County. The large-scale mural measures 30 feet tall by 83 feet wide.
“It was an honor to create this mural for PVHMC,” said Sheets. “I grew up in this valley surrounded by citrus groves and I coined the mural’s title from my wonderful memories of early life here. Two of my children were born at this hospital, which made the experience all the more personal to me.”
The artwork and installation were underwritten by a gift to the PVHMC Foundation from Elizabeth “Betty” DesCombes and her children, in memory of her late husband and longtime PVHMC board member, Donald R. DesCombes. Betty DesCombes served on the PVHMC Foundation board for 11 years, from 2007- 2017, and was elected as an emeritus to the board this year.
“The installation of this beautiful mural signifies the completion of our new Trauma Center, expanded Emergency Department and parking structure capital improvement
project,” said Richard E. Yochum, FACHE, President/CEO. “We are
committed to serving the growing health care needs of our community and
are delighted to enhance the neighborhood with stunning public art as
part of our construction efforts.”
Tony Sheets is
well-known in the Claremont artist community of Southern California,
where he was born in 1942. His father, Millard Sheets, was a renowned
artist, teacher, and head of the art department at Scripps College.
After
working for Walt Disney to create exhibits at Disneyland, Sheets
assisted in painting a large mural in the downtown Los Angeles Crocker
Bank Building. Sheets also assisted with the development of a new
process for the creation of cast concrete wall sculptures.
Contributed by Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
