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In This Issue:
What began more than a year ago as sketches and line drawings in artist Nan Freeman's East Boston studio culminated this month in a majestic mural on the walls of the connector between BWH and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). The Bridge of Hope-a beautification of that connecting hallway-was celebrated in the Cohn Courtyard Oct. 21 following the official ribbon cutting on the third floor of the Amory Building.
A mural of birds carrying medicinal herbs decorates the previously bare hallway. The spirits of patients, family members and staff surely will be buoyed by uplifting scenery thanks to a team of painters led by Freeman, director of the Post Baccalaureate Program at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston, whose talent was enlisted by Estrellita Karsh, chair of the Friends of BWH Art Committee. Karsh, who originated and orchestrated the Bridge of Hope, was joined by Freeman, BWH President Gary Gottlieb and the MFA's Katie Getchell in thanking all participants and supporters of the collaborative project.
Proof that art does make a difference comes in the story of young Emily Eaton, a DFCI patient who took a special liking to the scarlet ibis. The artists asked Emily (pictured with her father on page one) if she wanted to help paint her favorite bird. Emily did and looked forwarded to “visiting her bird” during appointments at DFCI, said her family at last Friday's event. The Eatons accepted on Emily's behalf a framed scarlet ibis painting from Friends of BWH President Kathleen Monbouquette-a touching moment during the well-attended celebration.
For more information on adopting and sponsoring birds in the mural, call the Friends of BWH at ext. 2-8125. Proceeds benefit patients of BWH.