NEW YORK, NY (November 5, 2013) — Above 1265 Bedford Ave. in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn artist Mike Perry has created the mural, "Care That's Born and Bred in New York," a vibrant impression of Brooklyn, commemorating EmblemHealth's more than 75-year history serving the people of New York.
EmblemHealth, the New York-based health insurer and wellness company, commissioned the work and asked Perry to interpret "care" and its meaning to the neighborhood. With more than 200,000 Brooklyn members, EmblemHealth promotes health and wellness throughout the borough with community activities and sponsorships that promote healthy living.
The mural, now on display, is a colorful depiction of Brooklyn culture, including an open door representing the openness of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood to many cultures and communities, a basketball to reference the Barclays Center and yoga representing wellness and peaceful moments in everyday life.
“I feel privileged to work with EmblemHealth to think about and visualize my city," said Perry, whose studio is a short walk from the mural location. “I’m painting a view of Brooklyn as though I was standing on top of my studio watching the city in all of its beauty and appreciating how we are all connected. To me, that’s what care feels like.”
“EmblemHealth is a part of Brooklyn, like brownstones and Nathan's hotdogs. Our members are in every neighborhood from DUMBO to Brighton Beach, from Bay Ridge to Canarsie. This artwork captures the essence of the Brooklyn neighborhood, the shared fabric of community, and EmblemHealth's commitment to help people stay healthy, get well and live better,” said David Mahder, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for EmblemHealth.
An author and lecturer as well as visual artist, Perry's work has been featured in print, outdoor and in exhibition. His award-winning work has attracted diverse clients, including Apple, Microsoft, Target and Zoo York.
Perry's design for the 1265 Bedford Ave. mural was painted by artists from Colossal Media, the largest hand paint mural and outdoor advertising company in the United States.
About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth, Inc. provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 3.4 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for prescription drugs and dental and vision care. EmblemHealth offers a choice of networks, including quality doctors and other health care professionals throughout the region, leading acute care hospitals across the tristate area, and physicians and hospitals across all 50 states. For more information, visit www.emblemhealth.com.