‘B in Bloom’ project highlights diversity, unity at Decker College

Two new murals are set to brighten the halls of Binghamton University’s Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, conveying messages of diversity, unity and community pride.

The murals, titled “B in Bloom,” will be installed at the Health Sciences Building (home to most of Decker College) and the Binghamton University JC Center (home to the college’s Division of Speech and Language Pathology), both facilities in Johnson City. The artwork will showcase flowers designed by students, faculty, staff and clients, each representing a piece of the person who created it. Contributors are encouraged to draw flowers that reflect their cultural heritage, personal background, identity and creativity.

The project aims to recognize and honor the people who make the campus community thrive — from students and staff to faculty members and healthcare clients. Organizers hope the murals will serve as lasting symbols of inclusion and belonging at Decker College.

The idea for the project was developed through a committee that meets regularly to support community-building efforts across the college.

“Having an art project was one of the topics brought to the committee,” said Assistant Professor Jodi L. Sutherland, one of the project’s organizers. “When we brainstormed the idea, it was very obvious that this suggestion got everyone excited, so this was the one that we put our focus into.”

Once the idea took hold, the group looked for ways to make it both meaningful and collaborative. That’s when art therapist and Clinical Assistant Professor Christina Muscatello ’08 shared an experience from a professional conference that helped shape the vision for the mural.

“I attended an Arts in Healthcare conference last fall in Houston where I got to tour a hospital that did a similar project with their staff members,” Muscatello said. “Theirs was installed throughout a bridge between two buildings, whereas ours will be installed on a wall in the Health Sciences Building, at the building housing our speech and language pathology program and during a First Friday Art Walk at a local art gallery.”

Inspired by the concept, the team adapted the project to fit Decker College’s environment while ensuring it still centered on community engagement. From there, the mural design evolved into a flower-themed installation that encourages creative expression and cultural representation.

“We all worked together on what the image should be and how we can get everyone to feel like they belong — that their culture is represented, that who they are as a person is represented,” said Cassandra Natali, a clinical instructor and committee member.

Beyond simply showcasing individual artwork, the murals also highlight the deeply interconnected nature of the campus community. Each flower contributes to a larger picture, just as each person contributes to the growth and success of the college.

Natali emphasized that the project reflects the spirit of teamwork and gratitude that defines Decker College.

“We really work here as a team,” she said. “We wouldn’t be here without students. We wouldn’t be in this wonderful building without staff who work in the cafeteria to help feed us and keep our energy up or the custodians who help clean and keep the space beautiful. And in a helping field, I certainly wouldn’t be able to do it without our clients and community partners.”

In February, the committee hosted two flower-making events on campus, inviting members of the Decker College community to participate in the creative process. These sessions, held on Feb. 24 and Feb. 26, served as both art workshops and community-building opportunities.

“We’re trying to create a positive environment where everyone feels like they’re included and welcome,” Sutherland said.

The final installations will blend the handmade flower drawings with digital design elements and vinyl materials to create permanent displays. Organizers hope the final murals will be more than just visually striking — they will symbolize shared purpose and community spirit.

As the murals come together, the committee sees them as testaments to the diversity, compassion and collaboration that define the Decker College community.

“Just like flowers thrive through connection with their environment, our community grows through the contributions of everyone here,” Natali said.

The “B in Bloom” murals are expected to be unveiled in May.