Artwork > Community Mural Projects > Intergenerational/Adult Projects

Milford Hospital

This community mural was a collaboration of the Healthy Balance Committee at Milford Regional Medical Center (MRMC), Painting and Design students at Blackstone Valley Technical High School (BVT), and mural artist Tova Speter. It was conceived of as a way to encourage people to take the stairs more often and hopes to inspire users on their journey to better health and wellness.

Hospital employees and BVT students participated in the entire mural process, sharing ideas at a brainstorming event, contributing via an online survey and at a series of design sessions to figure out what imagery might inspire people on their journey up the stairs, as well as engaging in the painting of the final mural. Students mentored adults in the painting, connections were made, hidden talents discovered, and the whole community was inspired and empowered by the process itself, though the final mural happen to be quite amazing too! A description of the mural design is as follows:

The quote "The only way to finish is to start" (written in the three main languages spoken at the hospital) directs people to open the door to the stairs on the first floor. Once in the stairwell, they are greeted by a relaxing scene of wellness including gardeners tending to a vegetable garden, a woman out for a stroll along a path, flowers, a bridge over a flowing river with a family of ducks, and birds flying overhead. Also included is a woman doing yoga, floating lotus flowers, and a great blue heron. The examples of wellness get more active as people climb the stairs first showcasing the perseverence of salmon as they jump upstream, then a scene of a park where individuals are taking advantage of various types of exercise. Imagery here includes a bicyclist, runner, kite flyers, and mountain climbers. The blue runner proudly displays the words "Boston Strong" to inspire us all, while his heart rate is subtely relayed in the shape of the mountains.

Runners continue up the next set of stairs where the terrain gets more hilly and a famiyl enjoys a healthy picnic together. Walkers have been invited to join the stairs on this floor with the quote "you meet the nicest people on the stairs." The hills give way to mountains where hikers continue the trek. The main scene on the next landing focuses on the identified themes of goal setting/pride, strength, and health. It features a family at the top of a mountain, looking excitedly over the vista they have just conquered. As they bask in the reward of their efforts, they enjoy a sunset shaped like a heart, adding colors to the sky. A hot air balloon flying overhead identifies the MRMC logo. Other things in the sky includes a Milford hawk representing strength and a plane sky-writing the phrase, "the difference between 'try' and 'triumph' is just a little 'umph!"

Many thanks to all the hospital employees who participated, especially Ellen from MRMC who coordinated this whole project, Suzette and Tim who lent their artistic talent, George who managed all things on the BVT side, Sarah who volunteered to assist, and the amazingly talented students whose energy really made this mural come to life.

The mural was completed in June 2013 and was celebrated with a dedication event at the hospital. Those in attendance offered the following reflections:

"It was not only relaxing to paint but also rewarding to see the little pieces you contributed... And you see something new every time you walk by..." - MRMC staff

"This was a great hands-on experience to learn how to work with others. It wasn't something we had to do, like so many other aspects of school, it was an opportunity to contribute our own creativity..."  -BVT student

"This was a great opportunity to get involved with the community, learn painting skills from students, and witness the inspiring minds of the students at work." - MRMC staff

"It was fun teaching the adults and using our skills to show other people what we know..." - BVT student

"Participating in this project was more relaxing than my recent vacation. I can honestly say it was the most erlaxing thing I have ever done at work..." - MRMC administrator

"It was great to not be in school all day and still have the opportunity to learn something..." - BVT student

"It was sometimes hard to focus on the bigger picture, but when I stepped back it was worth it... "- BVT student

"I'm amazed at how much was accomplished with the teamwork and am inspired by the way that everyone came together..." - BVT teacher

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony June 18 - VIDEO link here!