NH State Hospital Mural Complete
NH Hospital staff break room mural created by Derry-based artist Karen Munday-Lincoln.
They say patience is a virtue and we couldn’t agree more. Nearly one year ago, the NHBCA was asked to assist NH Hospital (NHH) to commission a mural for its soon to be refurbished staff break room. We identified multiple corporate sponsors to that recognize the transformative power original art in the workplace — especially in settings that serve the greater good and diverse communities. These companies included Northeast Delta Dental, Orr & Reno, TF Moran, Lavallee Brensinger Architects, Dartmouth Health and Baker Newman Noyes.
As a result of our call for mural proposals, 25 artists from around Northern New England submitted applications. Artists were asked to create a mural design inspired by the staff who utilize the break room. They shared their ideas as well as images to provide artists inspiration to inform their proposals. The goal was to imbue the room with a sense of relaxation, rejuvenation and refreshment.
Earlier this spring, NH Hospital welcomed the NHBCA and the businesses that made the mural possible along with the chosen artist Karen Munday-Lincoln to join NHH staff for the dedication of the long-anticipated reopening of its staff breakroom.
Derry-based artist Karen Munday-Lincoln was selected by the NHH staff to create the mural. The artist explained that her “interest in this project stems from an overall intention with my art, which is to transform highly used, yet neglected or uninspired spaces into spaces of joy and meaning.”
According to NHBCA Board Chair and President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental Tom Raffio, when the board was presented with the concept, they immediately wanted to assist NHH in bringing art into the hospital setting. “We all believe in the healing power of the arts and know how vital these well-trained and compassionate individuals are to addressing the nationwide mental health crisis. By helping to raise awareness of and support for those who work at the hospital we want to encourage other businesses to consider how they might help make a difference right here in New Hampshire.”
NHH CEO Ellen Lapointe stated that the Hospital values a person-centered and collaborative approach to care. “We operate with integrity and strive for compassion and excellence in all we do, especially in support of our invaluable staff members. The partnership with NHBCA, and the kind contributions by donors allowing for a beautiful, restful and relaxing break space reiterates our values and is truly appreciated.”