Image
A vibrant, healing technicolor mural is taking shape in an outdoor courtyard at the Kasych Family Pavilion at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest.
Working since May 1, a team of artists from Freehand Murals has been transforming an 11-foot-high by 183-foot-long wall into a healing mural in the courtyard. In addition to the mural, the project will include new plantings to ensure colorful blooms through most of the year, a new walking path and a gazebo. Though helping burn patients is the primary reason for the mural, the garden area is open to all.
Behind the project
LVHN’s Jill Krystofinski, CRNA, with Lehigh Valley Anesthesia Services, is one of the driving forces behind the healing garden project. Seven years ago, Krystofinski, her family, and the artists from Freehand Murals, created a mural in LVH-Cedar Crest’s operating room M, specifically designed for burn patients. That mural covers all four walls and the ceiling with beautiful hand painted wildlife specific to Pennsylvania. “It’s peaceful and calming and our burn patients and their families absolutely love it,” says Krystofinski.
Previous plans for another mural in an interior courtyard area at LVH–Cedar Crest were shelved in favor of the current mural wall and garden project, located in a more accessible, outdoor area. The original indoor design was used as the basis for the current mural.
The garden and mural are intended to help burn patients, whose psychological outlook is extremely important, says Krystofinski. “They (burn patients) are very special people.”
Krystofinski says several of her former burn patients also advocated for the mural. She says the project will help with the physical and emotional toll on burn patients. “It will be a place they can go with their families, a respite from the hospital environment,” she says.
LVHN Project Manager Lucas Gordils-Molina says the garden and mural had “a lot of input from burn patients” and will be a place they can go to enjoy nature and greenery.
Through the artists’ eyes
Virginia Abbott, one of those painting the mural, says she and the other artists spoke with burn patients about the kind of mural they wanted. “We kept burn patients in mind with our palette choices,” she says. The mural has a Japanese water garden feel and features beautiful greens, blues, and pinks among other pastels.
Mural artist Kim Hogan says hospital leadership has been very supportive of the project. Another artist, Janet Hodick, says many of those walking by the mural work thank her and her fellow painters for what they’re doing. “I’m honored to be part of it,” she says.
Painter Jeanette Leggett says the group will likely wrap up painting in late July or early August. Landscaping changes will then take center stage.
Famed textile artist and printmaker Anni Albers once said art “is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness.”
That’s just what Krystofinski is looking for.
Here's a peek inside:
Learn more about the burn recovery center.