The Beauty of New Beginnings

Art and healing unite at Zufall Health – West Orange

“New Beginnings,” a group art exhibition, has opened a new chapter in healing at Zufall Health – West Orange. Showcasing the works of 37 local artists, the exhibition offers patients and staff a sense of hope and renewal through a diverse collection of paintings, photography, and multimedia pieces. 

The exhibition debuted with a reception on September 12, where attendees enjoyed food, wine, and live music while exploring the vibrant artwork that now enriches the health center’s walls. Zufall was honored to welcome many distinguished guests, including Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill (NJ-27), West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney, and representatives from several community partner and sponsor organizations. 

Works by Xiomaro, John Piccoli, Joanna West (left) and Cathleen McCoy Bristol (right)

Fittingly, this display marks the first of its kind at Zufall’s new building in West Orange, which opened in February. The showcase is part of Zufall’s expanding Arts in Health program, which integrates creative expression into clinical settings to provide comfort and cultural enrichment. 

Among the featured artists is Asher Williams, a local resident and Zufall patient. Williams contributed two striking oil paintings, “Echoes of Thoughts” and “Triumph,” which explore themes of self-discovery and growth. 

“It’s great to be part of something in my community and share my work,” said Williams, a first-time exhibitor at Zufall with more than 30 years of artistic experience. He also emphasized the importance of art in health care, stating, “Artwork brings joy and can change your mood. We have art in schools, businesses, and airports—so why not in health care spaces, too?” 

Left to right: West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney, Zufall Board of Directors and Foundation Trustee Bill Shuler, President and CEO Fran Palm, and Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill

Zufall Pediatric Dentist Mary Beth Giacona, DDS, MPH, who has contributed her own paintings to past Arts in Health exhibitions, agrees. “Many people feel anxious about health care, so anything we can do to ease those feelings can lead to better outcomes. The beautiful art in West Orange provides a pleasant distraction, helping to shift thoughts away from anxiety about the exam room.” 

The exhibition will be on display on the second (dental) and third (community) floors of Zufall Health – West Orange (49 Mount Pleasant Ave) through early January 2025. 

Above: Artist Asher Williams stands with his artwork “Echoes of Thoughts.” He says the gramophones emerging from the man’s head represent “personal evolution and the perpetual quest for meaning for meaning in life.”