Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center’s Administrative building recently received a burst of color, passion, and inspiration in the form of a bright and beautiful mural created by local artist and community organizer, Paola De La Cruz. This vibrant artwork visually represents our core values – Patient Centered, Quality, Collaboration, Access, and Thriving – and embodies our culture and deep commitment to our community as part of a larger organizational refresh.
Growing up in a family that immigrated to Boston from the Dominican Republic, Paola experienced firsthand the importance of clinics like Virginia Garcia, that “kept her family healthy and provided a safe space for help and resources.” This mural also serves as the exciting first step in celebrating our 50th anniversary, a significant milestone that reflects our enduring impact and legacy within the community.
A design eventually emerged through the sharing of sketches, ideas, inspirations, and conversations between Paola and Virginia Garcia. She explains, “My way of working with public art is rooted in collaboration--being able to pass the design back and forth was crucial to ensuring that the final design was a true reflection of the culture of Virginia Garcia.”
Working mostly alone after hours once the painting began, Paola did have the opportunity for personal feedback when a doula program took place in a nearby room. “It was my first experience seeing and hearing the community’s response. It really affirmed my hopes for the mural…which were to bring new light to the space and encourage visitors to stop and take moment.”
Paola found her way to this project via the Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA), which keeps a roster of artists interested in taking on new projects. When Virginia Garcia reached out to her, she was immediately interested. “I learned so much about the Virginia Garcia culture….and got such a beautiful sense of the supportive and loving culture of the organization.”
Collaboration is a key piece of the Virginia Garcia mission and the belief that we are stronger when we work together. This mural project is a wonderful manifestation of that collaboration. We welcome others to enjoy it in person when visiting our Administrative Headquarters!
