December 10, 2024
"After losing my brother to suicide and later facing my own challenges, I realized the importance of open conversations and supportive environments. Walking the halls for exercise during my hospitalization for severe depression, I noticed the faces around me - college students, parents, and teenagers - all navigating their own struggles.
That realization shifted my perspective. Mental health challenges affect all kinds of people, yet stigma keeps so many silent. At the same time, I saw an opportunity to create a more welcoming and uplifting environment, one that could provide comfort and hope during a challenging time.
Murals have always inspired me with their ability to transform spaces and lift spirits. I wanted to help, believing that by reaching out to others, I could also begin to heal myself. This mural is more than art - it's a message of hope."
- Shannon Weisleder commissioned two murals for inpatient care in the VCU Department of Psychiatry