Honoring the hospital’s roots and the community it serves
St. Francis Medical Center recently completed the restoration of an historic art piece that has been a hallmark of the hospital for more than 70 years– the mosaic of St. Francis of Assisi. The mosaic represents the medical center’s namesake, its mission, and culture. It depicts the patron saint of animals, ecology, and the environment peacefully communing with wildlife. The grand tiled tapestry graces the entrance to the hospital’s Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), where it welcomes patients and their families as they enter the facility, offering comfort and reassurance that the care received here is provided with compassion and respect for every life.
The mosaic was created by artist Joyce Clark [https://www.villagegalleriesmaui.com/profiles/clarkprofile.htm].
She trained at Whittier College as well as UCLA and was a part of the Laguna Art Colony.
Clark’s notable installations include:
- Congregational Church, Laguna Beach, Calif.: Multiple mosaic murals integrated into the church interior
- Francis Medical Center, Lynwood, Calif.: Large 12′ × 16′ religious mosaic (“St. Francis of Assisi”)
- Tulare High School, Tulare, Calif.: “Future in Space” mural (reflecting mid-century optimism about technology)
- Leisure World, Laguna Hills, Calif.: Series of decorative community murals
- Church of the Community, Maui, Hawaii: Mosaic cross
- Additional works for private collections and public structures
St. Francis Medical Center’s art piece was originally installed in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Upon close inspection of the mosaic, it appeared that each tile was hand-cut individually by the artist, assembled in sections, and installed onsite. Over the decades time, aging, and weathering had dulled its original luster; however, the exquisite detail remains distinct.
St. Francis Medical Center’s restoration of the mosaic is an integral part of the expansion of its Behavioral Health Unit from 40 beds to 80+ beds, in response to the growing need for mental health services.
St. Francis CEO Clay Farell said, “The renewal of the St. Francis of Assisi mosaic represents our philosophy of caring for the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. A tranquil and restorative environment of care is a vital aspect in the delivery of compassionate, quality care. Creating a healing space inside and outside supports the wellness of both patients and staff.”
The restoration was completed by Spectra Restorations, Pomona, Calif. It included performing a chemical wash, adding backing behind the segment-seam tiles to create a more flush appearance, replacing damaged or missing tiles, installing a finely-textured plaster border to match the new entryway, and adding a protective finish on the surface.
Farell emphasized the importance of the restoration. “Over the years, St. Francis has undergone many changes—new buildings, new technology, new faces. Restoring a beloved work of art provides a sense of continuity and reassurance, reminding people that while medicine evolves, respect and the commitment to care for our patients and the community remain central.”
