CAMBRIDGE, MD – The Maryland Department of Health’s Eastern Shore Hospital Center (ESHC) has officially unveiled an extraordinary new work of art titled the “Resilience” Mural, now permanently installed in the facility’s English Hall meeting room. Co-led by Art Therapist Leah Bell and Activity Therapist Patti Aaronson, the 13-foot collaborative masterpiece was designed and painted by ESHC patients as part of the Treatment Mall’s Rehabilitation Services Department art therapy programming.

The mural project encouraged patients to explore themes of recovery, wellness, and trauma-informed care. Under Bell’s guidance, patients developed a collective narrative focused on overcoming adversity. Aaronson mapped out the structural design on a massive 13-foot panel, which allowed three patients to work in tandem as a team.

To bring the theme of resilience to life, patients integrated personalized symbolism into the landscape:

• Spirit Animals: Patients identified and illustrated “spirit animals” representing their unique personalities, character traits, and inner strengths.
• Obstacles and Hardships: Visual challenges were woven into the scene, such as navigating dark caves, climbing steep mountains, and braving inclement weather.
• Overcoming Adversity: Images of hope and triumph were added, including reaching mountain summits, safely crossing rivers, and the clearing of storm clouds.

“Art as therapy provides vital opportunities for patients to think creatively, strengthen independent decision-making skills, and discover or re-discover their talents and strengths,” said Judith A. Slaughter, Director of ESHC Volunteer Services. “Through this process, patients are able to look beyond limitations and proudly identify themselves as artists with clear goals.”

The framing and installation of the mural was made possible through a Maryland State Arts Council Community Arts grant via the Dorchester Center for the Arts, alongside generous financial contributions from ESHC staff physicians Dr. Connie Corson and Dr. Doris Staeudle. The artwork can now be viewed by members of the community during future conferences and events held at the Woods Road facility. To learn more about the story behind the mural, please scan the code below:

Support Patient Activities: “Christmas in July” Fundraiser

The ESHC Auxiliary, a non-profit organization dedicated solely to funding direct patient benefit activities like the Resilience Mural, invites the public to its annual “Christmas in July” fundraising event.

The shopping event features affordable, brand-new jewelry, scarves, purses, hats, and gloves, alongside first-quality “nearly new” clothing, holiday items, and new children’s STEM educational gifts.

• When: July 22, 2026 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) & July 23, 2026 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
• Where: English Hall, Eastern Shore Hospital Center, 5262 Woods Road, Cambridge, MD
• Inquiries: Contact Jeanne Bromwell, Coordinator, at (410) 221-2357 or Jeanne.bromwell@maryland.gov.

To learn more about joining the Auxiliary or supporting volunteer efforts, contact Judy Slaughter at (410) 221-2358.

About Eastern Shore Hospital Center

Located in Cambridge, Maryland, the Eastern Shore Hospital Center has served the citizens of Maryland for over a century, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015. ESHC is dedicated to providing the highest quality continuum of adult inpatient psychiatric care and transitional mental health services, rooted deeply in the principles of recovery, wellness, and trauma-informed care.