HEALTH CENTER MURALS

Designing the Kennedy Art Center was a year-and-a-half collaborative process rooted in empathy and long-term vision. Marion Design Co. began by working closely with Chris Kennedy and key stakeholders to develop a strategic plan that aligned mission, function, and community impact. From there, we created floor plans, elevations, and three-dimensional renderings to reimagine the building’s interior. The ground floor originally consisted of small counseling rooms and offices, requiring significant demolition to create an open gallery with ample wall space for exhibitions. As the project evolved, the design was refined to better serve the center’s mission: an alcove was preserved to honor the Kennedy family, the kitchen was opened to invite participation during events, and circulation between the gallery and gathering spaces was improved. Despite pandemic-related delays, material shortages, and rising costs, the vision remained clear—to create a space that gathers the community and celebrates Marion’s artistic past and future. While basement construction continues, Marion Design Co. planned and hosted the Kennedy Art Center’s May 5, 2023 grand opening and secured grant support to advance future phases, including exterior signage and ongoing development.

After meeting with the client, Halstead Architects, and other various stakeholders, we began brainstorming, moodboarding, and sketching to develop the look and feel of the exterior murals at the IHC Bedford location. We took inspiration from ways they have already implemented their brand, such as on their busses and the interior design of their building. We pursued natural elements that are already present in IHC’s brand mark, and incorporated unity into the design by way of leaves that stretch, grow and build off of one another. 

After successful completion of the Bedford location window graphics, IHC approached us again to create an interior mural for their new Marion location. We revisited sketching and ideation to create something new that was unique to this location, but still in unity with the IHC brand as a whole. We presented two concepts to the client, one that incorporated multiple elements from Marion, Indiana, as well as a concept that more closely resembled the prior window graphics at IHC Bedford. 

The final murals are representative of the original objectives: to be visible, welcoming, and energetic. As the leaves travel across the windows and walls, they tell a story of unity, care, and intentionality. Nature carries a meaningful narrative of growth and interconnectedness. Multiple leaves on a vine need each other to thrive, which reflects the network of locations that IHC holds. 

The Bedford location is now highly visible and brings clarity to the business housed there. The new Marion branch feels very connected to the other locations because of this helpful wall mural. Overall, this project was highly collaborative, as we worked alongside Halstead to bring something great to IHC together. This project allowed us to assist them with alignment to their brand and mission, and better serve their customers.