Jo puts smile on Karingal residents faces

Local artist Jo Smiles has painted a mural in a new room at Karingal named 'The Palms'

WORK OF ART: Jo Smiles showing off her nine-foot mural at the Karingal Nursing Home. Picture: Sam Flanagan

THE Karingal Nursing Home has a new lease of life thanks to the hard work and artistic flair of a long time Dalby resident.

Jo Smiles has created a nine-foot mural on the wall of a new relaxation room for residents at Karingal, dubbed 'The Palms'.

Mrs Smiles has been an artist for most of her life, and said it was fulfilling to put her brush to use in an environment her work would be appreciated.

"I visit my husband everyday, and so four of the afternoons I was here I painted the mural,” Ms Smiles said.

"I didn't have an inspiration for the artwork, I just wanted something relaxing for the patients and made it up as I went along.

"I've been doing artwork my whole life and I've competed in competitions all around Queensland.”

Sharon Hardy is a recreational officer at Karingal, and says the space has been a major success.

"It was a step by step process, but we got there finally and the residents are really happy with it,” Ms Hardy said.

"It's a good place for family members to have a break when they come to visit their loved ones in palliative care.”

Karingal staff and residents would also like to acknowledge the donations from local hardware stores Mitre 10 and Home Hardware that made 'The Palms' possible.