Emplify Health commissions mural in downtown La Crosse
LA CROSSE, Wis. - Downtown La Crosse visitors can experience a new piece of public art meant to bring people of all backgrounds together for meaningful interactions.
Emplify Health commissioned two artists to create a mural on a blank wall facing the Gundersen Medical Foundation on Third Street. Realizing the importance of art as a means of promoting social cohesion, Emplify believes that community art projects create spaces where individuals can connect, share experiences and build relationships. Art transcends differences, uniting people in a shared creative endeavor and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.
“If even for a tiny moment, this mural can pull us away from our current stressors and take us to a safe place where healing can occur, it will be a powerful gift to our city," said Josh Court, Behavioral Health clinical operations director.
Artists are Neo Medina, of Kaukauna, Wis., and La Crosse native Chase Gentry. Medina is fascinated by the social interaction and community engagement that comes along with public art. He aims to create work that adds brightness and love to the community.
“In this collaborative work, I thought it was important to show the juxtaposition of the city of La Crosse and the beautiful nature that weaves in and out of its landscape,” Medina said. “From the bluffs to the river to the streets of downtown La Crosse, a beautiful day can find you anywhere.”
Gentry specializes in creating original, one-of-a-kind cartoon illustrations with a mix of horror, comedy and general cuteness that stems from the cartoons he grew up watching.
“’Love Lives Here’ is a collaborative project with a goal to give back to the town that raised me,” Gentry said. “La Crosse showed me that love existed and is a town that I always end up coming back to, no matter how far I go. I wanted to create something special that presents itself in different ways to all people, creating stories with unique outcomes for everyone.”
The artists finished the project in just one week.
“I am so excited for this project," Court said. "While there is no single solution for healing the mind or body, the creation, interpretation and contemplation of art can have a powerful, positive impact on ourselves, our neighbors and our community.”