Local artist dedicates mural at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

For years, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s (SNVMC) team members entering the northside of the hospital from the employee parking lot used to pass through a long hallway with old photos, forgotten health tips, and a lot of blank wall space. SNVMC President Jeff Joyner had an idea that a more engaging, creative environment would boost team spirit.

Joyner was inspired by an outdoor mural on Route 123 in Occoquan. He reached out to local artist Alethea Marie Robinson who created the Occoquan mural, and a dynamic, new project was born.

People entering or exiting the hospital through this hallway now are surrounded by a vibrant mural of flowers, butterflies, and diverse faces of people giving and receiving compassionate care.

In explaining her thoughts behind the mural, Robinson said, "When creating this design, I wanted to reflect two of the most gratifying elements of working in healthcare -- the love of helping people, and the joy of working with the team. I included scenes of employees and patients surrounded with bright, happy colors in a garden atmosphere. It is also filled with butterflies that represent hope, recovery and transformation. I hope this cheerful space brings a smile to employee's faces as they come and go!"

More than a mural on a wall, this is a permanent art installation that includes inspirational words suggested by the team, video screens sharing news and updates with staff as they enter and exit, interactive projections, and an overall sense of energy and joy.

On September 25, 2024, Sentara Health President and CEO Dennis Matheis joined SNVMC leaders and team members for a ribbon cutting to dedicate this new art installation.

Joining Matheis and doing the honors of cutting the ribbon at the dedication were the three longest tenured hospital team members, Janice Carneal (49 years), Tania Brown (38 years), and Shirley Conley (41 years). With the essence of the team being a central theme, it was fitting that the hallway was filled with Sentara team members from across all departments for the dedication.

Robinson began painting the mural in June and finished several weeks later.

While painting during the day in the hospital, Robinson spoke of the positive energy coming from the team as the mural came to life. Halfway through the installation, Robinson started jotting down the comments to keep as a memory of the process:

• “This will encourage people when they're coming into work or bring them up when they are leaving after a hard day.”
• “A breath of fresh air flowing through here every day.”
• “I love how diverse it is.”
• “Aw, it makes me smile.”
• “This is so great because it lifts people's spirits and changes your mood.”
• “She is making magic!”

A particularly affirming comment came from a person who told Robinson, “It’s inspired me to go home and start painting again.”

The hallway includes a visual depiction of Sentara’s new cultural attributes that reflect the shared values, beliefs, language, and behavior of the organization. The intention is to foster belonging, collaboration, and innovation.

“Alethea’s skills as an artist and her ability to turn ideas into beautiful and inspiring imagery made her the perfect artist to take on this special project,” said SNVMC Jeff Joyner. “And the fact that she is a local artist makes it that much more personal and powerful.”

“Capturing the essence of something special through my art is the most gratifying work I do,” said Robinson.