ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — The Cayuga Medical Center Foundation is thrilled to announce the installation of a new mural at the Cayuga Cancer Center’s East Campus location on Arrowwood Drive. This vibrant artwork, created in collaboration with Ithaca Murals, honors the memory of Vince Marziano, a cherished CFCU Community Credit Union staff member who passed away from cancer in August 2022. The mural was made possible through a generous donation from CFCU and now adorns the Cancer Center’s waiting area.

Local artist Paulina Melechkina was chosen to design and paint this landscape mural, which depicts a tranquil natural scene featuring sunny skies, clouds, and the picturesque Cayuga Lake. The mural serves as a testament to the transformative power of art in public spaces, aiming to foster a sense of calm and healing.

Unbeknownst to the project organizers, Melechkina herself was a patient at the East Campus location, giving her a deeply personal connection to the project. “Creating this mural was one of the most meaningful projects of my career,” Melechkina said. “I wanted to create something healing and hopeful—something that would elicit positive feelings for those going through their journey at the Cancer Center.”

Melechkina was also mindful of patients’ well-being during the mural’s creation. She painted only after hours to minimize disruption and used non-toxic, low-fume paints to ensure a safe environment, extending the healing atmosphere of the Cancer Center beyond just the visual impact.

This project underscores how integrating art into medical settings can transform these spaces into havens of comfort and has been warmly received by staff and providers who supported the project throughout.

“This mural is more than just art on a wall—it’s a reflection of our commitment to holistic patient care,” said Hicham Kortito, System Director of Hematology and Oncology Services at Cayuga Health. “We are grateful to Paulina, CFCU, and Ithaca Murals for bringing light and beauty to a space where patients need it most.”

Cora Marziano, Vince’s wife, was profoundly touched by the mural, which she feels captures her husband’s spirit. “This represents a lot of what Vince would have liked. It’s more of who he was—someone who enjoyed the lakes and the natural beauty of this area,” Cora Marziano said. “Paulina nailed it. It’s beautiful, and I’m sure Vince would have loved it.”

Cora Marziano’s involvement in the project began a year and a half ago when she met Melechkina. They quickly connected, and Marziano shared stories and memories of her husband, including photos from their travels around the Finger Lakes.

The sentiment of Vince Marziano’s impact was echoed by his colleagues at CFCU Community Credit Union. Lisa Whitaker, President & CEO of CFCU, said, “Vince was a pleasure to work with and he touched many lives throughout CFCU and the community. He will long be remembered for his kind heart, tenacity and positive outlook on life.”

Ithaca Murals, a local nonprofit dedicated to transforming walls into artistic expressions of the Ithaca community’s diversity, was instrumental in bringing this project to life. Founder Caleb Thomas, along with Steph Baily, Director of Philanthropy at Cayuga Health, and Herb Alexander, Cayuga Health Executive Sponsor of the project, selected Melechkina for this special commission.

The Cayuga Medical Center Foundation is committed to continuing such beautification efforts, working closely with donors and community partners to create environments that enhance the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of all who enter.

Photos of mural can be found using the link here. For more information about the Foundation and its mission, visit cayugahealth.org/giving.