The MedQuarter Regional Medical District and UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital have installed a public art mural by Cedar Rapids artist John Paul Schafer.
The mural, titled “Seasons We Enjoy,” is displayed as a large-scale outdoor banner on the Rapids Building at the corner of A Avenue and Seventh Street Northeast, Cedar Rapids.
The artwork replaces the 2022 mural “Public Art for Healthy Hearts” by Laura Saylor Smith.
Mr. Schafer’s mural pays tribute to Cedar Rapids’ identity as the City of Five Seasons, where the fifth season represents the time to appreciate and enjoy the other four, according to a news release.
“The mural is inspired by nature, which is something that comes naturally to me as a gardener,” Mr. Schafer said in a statement. “It’s filled with Easter eggs that reflect the arts, recreation, gardening — all the little joys that make life worth living throughout the seasons. I hope it evokes a sense of fun and nostalgia, something that speaks to the inner child and reminds us that Cedar Rapids is a beautiful place to live.”
Casey Greene, UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital president, said the mural brings a sense of joy and reflection to the campus.
“It’s a beautiful reminder of the healing environment we strive to create — not just within our hospital walls, but throughout the community we serve,” Mr. Greene said in a statement.
Phil Wasta, MedQuarter District executive director, said public art plays a vital role in the district’s vision.
“This mural is a celebration of life, nature and community — values that resonate with the MedQ and the people who live and work here,” Mr. Wasta said.
Mr. Schafer has been a professional artist since 1990. His work blends non-objective expressionism with realism.
