Richmond artist paints an uplifting mural for patients and hospital staff
Hope Takes Flight: Richmond Artist’s Mural Brings Joy to Cancer Center
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Video by Taylor MacKillop, Enterprise Marketing and Communications
A vibrant mural depicting a meadowlark soaring above a field of wildflowers now graces the entrance of the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center parking garage, offering a beacon of hope to patients and visitors alike. The artwork, titled “The Meadowlarks Journey,” was created by Richmond artist Nico Cathcart, who knows firsthand the challenges of facing a cancer diagnosis.
Cathcart’s own journey with thyroid cancer, diagnosed in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, deeply informed her creation. “The Meadowlarks Journey” was notably poignant for Cathcart because she herself was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s thyroid cancer care beliefs combines compassion with leading expertise to address a disease that is the most common endocrine cancer, affecting over 40,000 people annually in the U.S. and nearly three times more women than men,” said Amelia Grover, M.D., Cathcart’s surgical oncologist.
Thyroid cancer often strikes at a younger age than most other adult cancers, with an average diagnosis age of 51 and many cases occurring in women in their 20s to 50s. the multidisciplinary thyroid cancer clinic at Massey provides coordinated care for adults as well as children.“We understand the unique challenges this poses, including concerns about long-term health and life disruptions. For adults, our multidisciplinary team provides high-quality surgery performed by high-volume surgeons, along with advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies to achieve the best outcomes,” Grover said.“Clear interaction and patient-centered decision-making empowers individuals throughout their care journey, helping patients maintain fulfilling, high-quality lives.”
>“It is patients like [Nico] who fuel our dedication and remind us of the impact that compassion, resilience, and creativity have in the healing journey.”
Amelia Grover, M.D., a surgical oncologist at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
cathcart’s diagnosis was particularly challenging for her because as a deaf person, the need for masks during the pandemic prevented her from lip reading. these challenges made her medical situation particularly stressful.
But, seeing her fellow Richmond artists’ work on the walls during her doctors’ visits gave her hope.
Like a meadowlark at dawn, artwork can bring hope to patients
The Arts in Healthcare program’s mission is to create a healing environment for patients, visitors and team members through the arts. That includes live music, visual arts, music therapy and art therapy. Arts in Healthcare also supports the VCU Health Orchestra and wind ensemble that provides an artistic outlet to nurses, doctors, staff and medical students. Over the past 40 years, the program has displayed its art collection across 48 buildings with more than 2,000 originals done by mostly local artists. Two other murals are currently going up at VCU Health, one in the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and one in the Virginia Treatment Center.
“We always wanted something in the garage before we opened,” said Alexis Shockley, manager of Arts in Healthcare. “The sterileness of this space was starting to really affect people. This is a frist impact space; this is the first thing you see when you come in here. You’re scared, you’re worried, you’re sad. So, we
Richmond Artist transforms Hospital Walls with Hopeful Mural After Cancer Battle
VCU Massey Cancer Center’s sterile hallways now boast a vibrant mural, thanks to local artist Nico Cathcart, a thyroid cancer survivor who found solace in the hospital’s art during her own treatment.
The once-gray wall now bursts with colorful flowers, a testament to Cathcart’s journey and a beacon of hope for patients facing their own health challenges.
“We wanted the mural to transform this space,” said [Name and Title], a member of the Massey leadership team. “It became top priority for us.”
Cathcart, known for her organic and joyful style, was a natural choice for the project. What the team didn’t know was that Cathcart had been a patient at Massey herself.
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Woman sitting in a lift working on a mural
“In this space, you want people to feel hopeful,” said [Name and Title]. “You want patients to know that though they may feel like they’re losing hope,there’s still room to grow. So that’s the images of the flowers, the joyfulness. It’s just beautiful work.”
Cathcart’s thyroid cancer was caught early by her general practitioner. While her experience being treated at Massey during the pandemic was initially scary, it ultimately had a positive outcome.
“My endocrinologist here is amazing.The doctors extended my life, so I’m very grateful,” Cathcart said.
Cathcart’s endocrinologist,Dr. Angeliki Stamatouli, emphasized the importance of early detection and patient involvement in treatment decisions.
“Self-reliant of the stage at diagnosis, the providers involved in patients’ care should take the time to explain the risks and benefits of treatment and allow patients the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process,” Dr. Stamatouli said. “Every patient should feel comfortable and understand their treatment plan.”
Dr. Stamatouli also praised Cathcart’s positive attitude.
“Our visit always ends with a smile on her face which is reflected on her mural. She’s one of my favorite patients,” Dr. Stamatouli said.
Cathcart, who is deaf, recalled her fear of not being able to communicate with masked healthcare professionals after her surgery.”The nurses were attentive to my needs and made sure that I had my hearing aids,” Cathcart said.
The experience solidified her connection to the hospital and inspired her to create a mural that would bring comfort to others.
“As someone who’s been a local artist in Richmond for many,many years,the halls were kind of filled with my buddies… It always was really comforting to me when I was having an overwhelming moment. I want to make sure that the moment I had with [the bird] painting happens for someone walking in or walking out of this,” Cathcart said.
Dr. Grover, a professor in the VCU Division of Surgical Oncology, echoed the sentiment.
“Nico is amazing. She embodies the resilience and spirit that reminds me why I chose this profession. Her artwork beautifully reflects her uplifting spirit.I think her work will bring hope and joy to others, creating a ripple of positivity that touches both patients and caregivers alike. It is indeed patients like her who fuel our dedication and remind us of the impact that compassion, resilience, and creativity have in the healing journey,” Dr. Grover said.
Richmond Artist Brings Hope and Healing to VCU Massey Cancer Center with New Mural
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center patient and local artist, Sarah Cathcart, has transformed a stark parking garage wall into a vibrant mural, offering a beacon of hope and beauty for patients and staff.
Cathcart, a Richmond native, knows firsthand the emotional rollercoaster of a cancer diagnosis. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2019, she underwent treatment at VCU Massey and continues to visit regularly for follow-up appointments.
“As someone who’s been a local artist in Richmond for many,many years,the halls were kind of filled with my buddies,” Cathcart said,referring to the existing art collection at VCU Massey. “If you go up to the fourth floor, right by the check-in area, there’s a bird from Noah Scalin’s “Audubon” series. It always was really comforting to me when I was having an overwhelming moment. I want to make sure that the moment I had with Noah’s painting happens for someone walking in or walking out of this.”
Inspired by her own experience, Cathcart was commissioned to create a large-scale mural for the parking area near the entrance to VCU Massey’s clinic space. Titled “The Meadowlarks Journey,” the 12-foot tall by 30-foot wide artwork depicts a meadowlark in flight, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the journey of healing.
.ashx?h=65%25&w=95%25&hash=8C44612655AAAB20817BC574E9C4D063 "Richmond artist paints an uplifting mural for patients and hospital staff")
The new 12’ tall x 30’ wide mural, called “The Meadowlarks Journey,” is located in the parking area near the entrance to VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s clinic space. (Sara McCloskey, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)
As Cathcart worked on the mural, patients and staff alike stopped to admire her progress, offering words of encouragement and recognition.
“The art in this hospital makes an impact on the patient level, in ways that you can’t even imagine,” Cathcart said, her voice filled with passion.
“Wow! Cool! Awesome!” were just some of the exclamations heard from passersby, captivated by the vibrant colors and uplifting imagery.
For Cathcart, the mural is more than just a piece of art; it’s a testament to the power of hope and healing.It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, beauty and joy can still be found.
Interview with Dr.Amelia Grover
NewsDirectory3.com: Dr. Grover, the mural at VCU Massey Thorough Cancer Center featuring the artwork of Nico Cathcart “The Meadowlarks Journey” has been generating a lot of buzz.
Could you tell our readers more about the impactful connection between art adn healing, especially in the context of cancer treatment?
Dr. Amelia Grover: At VCU Massey,we believe in treating the whole patient.
That means addressing not just the physical aspects of their disease, but also their emotional and spiritual wellbeing.Art plays a crucial role in this holistic approach.
Artwork like Nico’s mural can transform a sterile clinical environment into a space that feels more welcoming, hopeful, and inspiring. It can offer a much-needed distraction and a source of comfort during a difficult time.
NewsDirectory3.com: nico Cathcart’s story is truly inspiring. As a thyroid cancer survivor herself,she understands firsthand the challenges patients face. How has her personal experience contributed to the power of this mural?
Dr. Amelia Grover: Nico’s journey adds a layer of profound meaning to her art.
By sharing her own story through her work, she is connecting with patients on a deeply personal level. It’s a testament to resilience and hope, reminding them that they are not alone in their fight. Her mural serves as a visual reminder that even in the face of adversity, beauty and joy can still be found.
NewsDirectory3com: Thyroid cancer often affects younger individuals, and the treatment journey can be particularly challenging. Can you elaborate on the specific support VCU Massey provides for thyroid cancer patients, especially those who are younger?
Dr. Amelia Grover:
We understand the unique needs of younger adults diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
We have a dedicated multidisciplinary team that specializes in this disease. Our surgeons are highly experienced in the latest surgical techniques, and we offer advanced diagnostics and innovative treatment options tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
We also focus on empowering our patients through clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring they feel informed and involved in their care throughout their journey. Ultimately, our goal is to help them reclaim their lives and maintain their quality of life.
NewsDirectory3.com:
How vital is it for institutions like VCU Massey to support initiatives like the Arts in Healthcare program?
Dr. Amelia Grover: Programs like Arts in Healthcare are essential to creating a healing environment for our patients.
They humanize the healthcare experience, providing a sense of normalcy and comfort during a stressful time.
Art can offer a powerful form of therapy, stimulating emotions, promoting self-expression, and fostering a sense of connection.
We are grateful for the work that the Arts in Healthcare program does to enrich the lives of our patients and their families.