(Harbin Clinic media release):
Harbin Clinic, in partnership with Rome Mural CoLab and the YMCA of Rome and Floyd County, is proud to present the CARE Mural. CARE stands for Connecting All. Reaching Everyone., and the mural’s purpose is to celebrate health, wellness and the diverse community of Rome and Floyd County. The finished mural design – which seeks inspiration from young artists throughout the area through an easy artwork submission process – will adorn the walls of the YMCA basketball gym and serve as an inspiring, energizing backdrop for athletes for years to come.
“At Harbin Clinic, we are committed to leading socially responsible initiatives that promote health and vitality in the communities we serve,” says Kenna Stock, chief executive officer at Harbin Clinic. “We see the CARE Mural as a creative way to foster important and inclusive conversations about health and wellness through artistic expression. As a reflection of our commitment to CARE’s mission – connecting all and reaching everyone – we are inviting our community to participate throughout every stage of this project.”
Harbin Clinic and the YMCA of Rome and Floyd County are joining forces with Rome Mural CoLab to bring the mural design concept to life. Rome Mural CoLab is an initiative led by two local artists created to ignite public spaces and interest in Rome, Georgia through mural art—inspiring tourism, pride and community beautification.
“We are so excited to partner with Harbin Clinic to bring the CARE Mural to life, allowing us to enliven the YMCA gym with bursts of color and communicate a message of health, unity, and teamwork as a diverse community,” says Xaivier Ringer and Ellie Borromeo, owners of Rome Mural CoLab. “Our unique process will engage with local students and kids throughout the project as their artwork will inspire the design, and they will be invited to paint with us. This collaboration underpins why we sought to do public art: to activate spaces with art and positivity, ignite creativity and lead to the changes we want to see.”
In an effort to ensure all children in Rome and Floyd County are given the opportunity to participate, instructional packets are being sent to all public and private schools in Rome and Floyd County, as well as several community organizations. Artwork submissions can be collected at the schools, submitted online at harbinclinic.com/CAREmural or dropped off at the YMCA front desk. The talented muralists from Rome Mural CoLab will draw inspiration from selected artwork and incorporate the unique perspectives of children throughout Rome and Floyd County into the finished mural design. All entries are due by May 14. There will be several CARE Mural community paint days this summer so that children and families throughout Rome and Floyd can participate in the installation as well.
“Our basketball gym will soon boast a colorful, dynamic, and meaningful mural representing the health and wellness of our community’s children and youth. We are excited to partner with Harbin Clinic and the Rome Mural CoLab to provide a canvas for young people to express how healthy looks and feels creatively,” says Scott McCreless, executive director, YMCA of Rome and Floyd County. “Harbin Clinic has been a longstanding and strong supporter of the YMCA and the basketball program specifically. We are excited to see this project come to life and look forward to a refreshed space, which we are certain will energize our athletes for years to come.” For more information about the CARE Mural or to participate, visit harbinclinic.com/CAREmural.