Evergreen Health and AKG Public Art Initiative Celebrate New Mural by Local Artist Bree Gilliam 

Evergreen Health and CAS are building a new comprehensive healthcare center to ensure inclusive and judgment-free health care is accessible, including primary care, pharmacy services, and more.

Gilliam is best known for her figurative oil paintings, which feature expressive, loose brushstrokes. The new mural consists of two figures each looking upwards, with bright smiles on their faces. The individuals are flanked by a colorful sky which can be read as a sunrise and stand together among a field of daisies. The flowers are symbolic for their
association with new beginnings, with the new healthcare hub itself representing a new commitment to the health and well-being for those on the East Side of Buffalo.

“This new healthcare hub is about more than expanding access to care. It’s about creating a place where people feel seen, valued, and
welcomed,” said Latrese Myers, vice president of marketing and communications for Evergreen Health. “We’re especially proud that Evergreen and CAS’ new location and mural were shaped by the voices of our staff and the community. We hope this mural inspires a sense of belonging and serves as a reminder that compassionate, judgment-free
care awaits everyone who walks through our doors.”

“As the Erie County Legislator representing the Kensington-Bailey neighborhood, I am proud to have supported this project,” said Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard. “This mural represents anticipation and optimism. This building, the vital services that will be provided here, the mural’s messages of ‘Keep Looking Up’ and ‘Brighter Days Ahead,’ and the long-awaited investments along Bailey Avenue all tell the same story: Kensington-Bailey is a neighborhood on the rise. Thank you to the Buffalo AKG, Evergreen Health, the incredibly talented artist Bree Gilliam, and all of the partners who helped bring this vision to life. ”

“I am incredibly honored to be a part of this project with Evergreen Health and the Buffalo AKG,” said Gilliam. “My motto is ‘art is power,’ and this mural has the power to inspire hope, joy, and a sense of connection for our community.”

“The Public Art Initiative is proud and delighted to work with Evergreen Health, Community Access Services, and Bree Gilliam to create a vibrant and welcoming space for this new location and the people it will serve,” said Aaron Ott, AKG Curator of Public Art.

This project is generously supported by Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard and an anonymous donor in celebration of Buffalo’s emerging public artists. Additional support is provided by the Keller family. The Public Art Initiative was established and is supported by leadership funding from the County of Erie and the City of Buffalo.