PHILADELPHIA -- Children waiting to see a dentist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Pediatric Clinic can now enter an undersea world of imaginary adventures through a new hand-painted mural.

This 17x7-foot mural, which will be officially unveiled and dedicated Oct. 16, was developed and donated by Howard and Kara Fraiman of Bala Cynwyd, both graduates of Penn Dental, in memory of their daughter, Ashley.  Penn Dental will honor the Fraimans and celebrate this new addition to the Clinic during a dedication ceremony to be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, in the Clinic reception area, where the mural is located.

Vividly colored sea horses, sea turtles and tropical fish of all sorts come to life on the mural, which also features a young girl in a swan-shaped boat flying a flag that reads Ashley Angels, the name of the foundation established by the Fraimans in memory of their daughter.  Ashley Angels has been created to aid special-needs children and their families.

Lansdowne artist Rhona Candeloro, who conceived and painted the mural, said the goal was to create a story-telling image that would engage children in making up their own stories about what is going on with all the characters in the mural.

"We wanted to create a scene that had lots of movement and activity and was also joyous," Candeloro said.

The mural covers the far wall of the children play area, adding a bright and lively element to this special feature of the Clinic, which was designed to create a welcoming and entertaining atmosphere for children coming for their dental visits.

Penn Dental, which provides care to approximately 4,900 children each year, opened this new, state-of-the-art Pediatric Clinic in January 2002. It features 10 examination rooms, four of which are specially designed for treating special needs children and handling those cases that require sedation.

The Pediatric Clinic is located on the first floor of Thomas W. Evans Building, accessed through Penn Dental main entrance, the Robert Schattner Center, 240 S. 40th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104.