Over the summer, a new mosaic art piece, called The Blossoming of Public Health, was installed on the School of Public Health’s campus. The design for the artwork was unveiled at the SPH45 Anniversary Celebration in November 2021.

A tribute to SPH’s 45 years of research, scholarship, and practice, the mosaic is made up of 45 interconnected and overlapping blossoms. At the center of each large blossom lies an image symbolizing key aspects of public health, including mental health, health policy, and nutrition, as well as the significant contributions the public health community has made throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Each blossom is also surrounded by a ring of abstract figures holding hands, signifying hope for the future of public health and SPH’s collective efforts to move the field forward.

“Inspiration for the mosaic came from trying to capture the incredible multidisciplinary and collaborative nature of public health,” says SPH alum and Dean’s Advisory Board (DAB) Chair, Susan Garfield (SPH’11), who worked with other DAB members and alumni to commission the artwork. “We know that the aspects of public health that are represented have grown and blossomed over time, and SPH itself continues to nurture public health leaders, research, and innovations for the future of public health practice. We hope that the artwork speaks to this.”

Garfield worked closely with Boston-based artist Joshua Winer, who designed and developed the piece, taking care to ensure that each member of the SPH community can see themselves and their public health areas of interest represented.

“We hope that our community resonates with the imagery, symbolism, and ultimately the hope for the future that the piece represents,” says Garfield.

A unique gift to the School, “the art [also] symbolizes the myriad of ways individuals and communities have come together over the last 45 years to contribute and create a meaningful difference for future generations,” says Jacoba van Heugten, assistant dean for development and alumni relations. “We are grateful to have this represented in such a beautiful way on the SPH campus.”

The mosaic is installed in the student lounge on the first floor of Talbot East. It’s bright and colorful composition brings a sense of energy to the space, and many around SPH are excited for the inspiration it will bring to students and other community members who stop by to see it.

“I hope that students find a piece of themselves in this mosaic that so gracefully reminds our community of our cultural values and instills in us a sense of belonging and togetherness,” says Mary Murphy-Phillips, assistant dean for students. “I encourage all students, staff, and faculty to come by and enjoy this beautiful work of art.”