Mural artists Addison Irazarrgill, Kymira Joseph, and Jodi Dareal
Mural adorns newly renovated faciality for Staten Island Mental Health Society, a division of RUMC
Richmond University Medical Center recently unveiled a custom designed mural for its newly renovated facility at 669 Castleton Avenue in West Brighton. The mural was created through a collaboration between two young artists from Staten Island Mental Health Society and IlluminArt Productions, a Staten Island based nonprofit. Staten Island Mental Health Society provides behavioral health services for children and adolescents and has been in existence for over 100 years. The Society merged with RUMC in 2019.
Entitled Mental Health is a Journey, the mural depicts images of hope and caring, including the steps that help along that journey, and words of support and encouragement. The mural is located inside a new facility that has been renovated with new rooms and will offer inpatient adolescent services.
The two teen artists involved with the mural, Addison Irazarrgill and Kymira Joseph, stated that the mural sessions were one of the most impactful therapies they have received. Addison said that each session was filled with drawing, brainstorming and creation that truly felt progressive. Kymira felt the same, stating it was some of the most fun she had during while receiving services from the Society.
“The mural is a great addition, and it shows the talented community we have created here,” said Miriam Prat-Mallilo, Director of the Office of Mental Health Child and Adolescent Outpatient Mental Health Services.
IlluminArt Productions is a Staten Island based nonprofit organization serving the five boroughs of New York City since 2010. IlluminArt utilizes theatre, art, and music to illuminate critical social issues, create conversations for positive social change, address the prevention of bullying, violence, substance use, and relationship abuse, among additional topics.
IluminArt artist Jodi Dareal spent months with Addison and Kymira discussing what the mural may include as part of their weekly art therapy sessions. She said Kymira and Addison were the two biggest influences on the final masterpiece. “We wanted to talk about therapy, but also the journey of mental health and the things that Richmond University Medical Center has to offer,” Dareal said.
“The mural is a powerful reminder that when young people are given creative space and support, their voices can transform not only their own healing journey, but the environments designed to care for them,” said Arlene Sorkin, President and CEO of IlluminArt Productions.
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), is a not-for-profit healthcare provider serving the ethnically diverse community of Staten Island and its neighbors. We provide premier-quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health and educational services. We do this in an environment that promotes the highest satisfaction among patients, families, physicians and staff. For more information call 1-718-818-1234 or visit www.rumcsi.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
