Mural Brightens Care Community

 Last April, quick action by the Bridges Care Community staff stopped a small fire, caused by a 9-volt battery, as quickly as it had started. A small area of scorched wallpaper was the only damage.

When the decision was made that, rather than patching the wallpaper, the wall would be painted, Care Community RN, Julie Austinson had an idea.  “A co-worker had shown me pictures of a wall mural she had painted in her home and I thought it would be nice to have one here.”  Helina Meyer, LPN, agreed to do the painting and the idea was taken to BMC Administrator Dan Rohrbach.  “He liked the idea,” said Julie. “He wanted us to include the Benedictine Health System Core Values as part of the mural.”  After some consideration, a Minnesota lake scene was chosen as the theme for the mural.

Working on her breaks, Helina took brush and acrylics in hand and began working on the blank wall. The lake, hillsides, and sunset took shape quickly. Then trees and rocks were added to the scene. Staff, residents, and visitors would stop by to check on the progress and began making suggestions.

Soon a boy was fishing from the dock surrounded by wildlife.  “People would stop by to see what was new,” recalled Helina. “It was like a game of Where’s Waldo as they looked for their favorite animals.” Deer, loons, skunks, frogs, snakes, a raccoon, an eagle, and other birds and insects populate the woods and shoreline.  “I finally had to stop taking requests,” said Helina.

The finished mural is 12-feet wide and 8 feet high, wrapping around an alcove behind the Care Community Nurses Station.  Many comments have been heard from residents and staff about what a fitting addition it is to the home. Helina took ideas contributed by many people and brought them together in one place for all to enjoy.

If you are looking for the artist’s signature, you will want to look on the koala bears in the upper right corner. Like Helina, the bears immigrated from her native Australia.