Thanks to the generosity of the Haven Women of Philanthropy – Gainesville and the vision of Gainesville Patient Care Manager Tootsie Young, Santa Fe College student artists have recently completed a mural at the E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Professor of art fundamentals India Brooks and Santa Fe student muralists.
When identifying changes that would improve the care center experience for patients and families, Young thought of an area outdoors where there was a blank fence facing two patient windows. Care center team members had been working on beautifying the area by installing bird feeders and a gazing globe, but Young knew that painting a mural on the existing fence would be the perfect finishing touch. She worked with Sharon Jones to enlist the help of the Haven Women of Philanthropy – Gainesville, who unanimously decided to fully cover the cost of the project.
The Women of Philanthropy – Gainesville suggested reaching out to Santa Fe College’s art department to see if any student artists would be willing to help. India Brooks, professor of art fundamentals, was happy to recruit her top students for the job. After two weeks of painting sessions, the mural of a colorful sunset was completed.
Young said she chose a sunset because it represents the idea that “we are all just walking each other home,” – a sentiment that reflects the shared purpose of helping one another reach a place of comfort and peace, both in and outside of the care center.
Thank you to the Women of Philanthropy – Gainesville, Young and everyone else involved in collaborating to make this mural a reality!
