Restorative beauty is the end result of a collaboration between Central Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) High School and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. A 60-foot mural now spans the west wall of the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Danis Pediatrics building in Tower Grove. Created by two CVPA students – Jovi Vaughn and Micajah Carr – in just under 22 hours, the mural sends a message of strength and resilience.
“This mural will now stand as a permanent reflection of what it means to care for one another,” said CVPA Principal Amy Phillips at a mural signing and ribbon cutting event last Tuesday (June 10). “It’s a promise that even in the hardest moments we can still choose beauty, connection, and love”
The mural is located on Arsenal Street facing the entrance of CVPA High School. Every day that the students return to the building that was the site of a tragedy, they will also pass this beautiful mural that serves as a reminder of their resilience – and a comfort to the young patients who arrive for treatment.
On October 24, 2022, a former student opened fire on students and staff. Two were killed and seven were injured before the gunman was fatally shot by police. Vaughn and Carr were freshmen at the time of the shooting.
“This wasn’t just an art project,” said Saint Louis Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Millicent Borishade at the signing and ribbon cutting. “It was a therapeutic journey. It allowed our scholars to grieve, to express, and to heal through the power of art, and the result; healing, happiness, and acceptance.”
Danis Pediatrics has been a tremendous support to the surrounding community. Nearly 20,000 patients have been served since the Tower Grove location was established in the fall of 2023. Vaughn, Carr, and Evan Wagman – an artist and educator at CVPA who had the pleasure of directing this project – took a tour of the recently opened clinic before starting the mural. They received a better understanding of the patients and treatments they receive.
While on the tour, Vaughn was inspired by the strong will of the children she saw battling ailments. Carr was intrigued by the portraits of animals she saw and wanted to expound upon.
“Originally envisioned as a visual commentary on the community of Danis Pediatrics, this mural evolved into something even greater,” Wagman said. “[It became] a daily reminder that beauty can rise anywhere, that we are stronger together, and that art has the power to connect, to uplift, and to heal.”
The vibrant new mural depicts a diverse mixture of children and young adults with various physical challenges, all playing in a lush green field under a clear blue sky. The image captures the whimsy and playfulness of childhood. There are also bright flowers and animals lounging in the field creating a sense of ease and comfort for young patients as they enter the parking lot.
“The colors and expressive design reflect the strength of our youth, the power of art, and will inspire everyone who sees it,” said Dr. Hossain Marandi, President of Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and Assistant Vice President of pediatrics at SSM Health, “It is our hope that each student who looks upon this wall is reminded of joy, beauty, and the steadfast support surrounding them.”
At the center of the mural is the image of a woman holding a baby under a rainbow with the phrase “Our Health Is Worth the Effort” in bold, white bubble letters. The poignant, yet assertive phrase effectively communicates the value of lives in the Tower Grove community.
“This mural is a bold and beautiful reminder of our commitment to be here, to be present, and to always make the effort,” said Cardinal Glennon pediatrician Dr. Joshua “Josh” Arthur. “This neighborhood has endured its share of hardships – but has also shown remarkable resilience, compassion, and unity.”
Arthur said SSM Health is honored to be a part of this community – and represent a piece of the community’s network of support.
“This mural is a message to everyone that walks past that we’re still here, we’re still growing,” Principal Phillips said. “And [that] we’re not defined by what happened to us, but how we rise in its aftermath.”