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Two traditionally unrelated disciplines will soon come together creating a new gateway of hope along the corridor connecting BWH to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).
Birds in flight is the motif for the “Bridge of Hope” beautification project, sponsored by the Friends of BWH. Nan Freeman, a renowned artist and faculty member at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) has been chosen as the project’s artist. Freeman has developed a series of sketches and line drawings she will transform into a painted mural along the existing corridor located on the third floor of the Amory Building (pictured, abo
“The mural is intended to bring aesthetic delight, inspire hope and lift spirits for those who travel through this passageway connecting the two institutions,” said Freeman, who explained that the mural will include a collection of at least 100 birds, painted life-size in a naturalistic style, converging on a brightly-lit central area with birds and rose bushes. The birds, carrying sprigs of medicinal herbs, will occupy the full length of the corridor.
“Whoever passes through this corridor is in some way impacted by cancer—patients, family or caregivers,” said Estrellita Karsh, Friends Art Committee chairman and organizer of the project. The mural’s motif was partially inspired by Karsh’s favorite Emily Dickinson poem, “Hope is the Thing with Feathers.”
Chuck Labins of BWH’s Real Estate and Facilities is project manager. Cannon Design, the architect for BWH’s proposed new building at 70 Francis Street, along with the Creative Lighting Department of the MFA, have agreed to provide services pro bono. BWH-based Mainframe Photo-graphics has also volunteered to document the project through its completion and Freeman is donating some of her time to the “Bridge of Hope.”
The mural is slated to be finished sometime in the fall, coinciding with an October 21 gala at the MFA to celebrate the project and the ongoing relationship between BWH and the MFA.