AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The 31st Medical Group (MDG) and a team of mosaic artists worked together to create and install art pieces around the MDG facility at Aviano Air Base, Italy.
Artists Denise Toson & Marzia Cancian, graduates of Scuola dei Mosaicisti del Friuli school, worked with the 31st Medical Support Squadron Facilities Management team, to organize, engineer and manage the mosaics installation.
Four mosaics art pieces were installed, two in the main hall, one in the front of the clinic’s main facility roundabout and another in the south side roundabout totem.
The first two mosaic art pieces are a combination of Italian and American heritage.
“As part of the 31 Fighter Wing’s strategic effort to keep Aviano AB as the premier Air Force assignment, the 31st MDG lines of effort was to highlight and blend the local history and mission heritage on the medical campus,” said Col. Wade Adair, 31st Medical Group commander. “Our Medical Support Squadron [MDSS] and Medical Logistics Flight developed several ideas and turned those into action.”
Each mosaic art piece took four months to create. The first two mosaics pieces were unveiled in the MDG atrium on December 18, 2020.
“Art is an often overlooked aspect of military treatment facilities but our team vowed to think differently,” said Col. Jason Richter, Medical Support Squadron commander. “We want our staff and patients to have a positive experience from the first moment they enter our building. These enhancements help embrace the culture and heritage of our base, the Italian location, and take advantage of our proximity to one of the world’s most prestigious mosaic schools.”
The second set of mosaic pieces were unveiled on March 4, 2021.
“It was a true team effort,” said Manuela Solda, 31st Medical Group Facility Manager. The 31st Contracting Squadron and several medical departments worked together to make it happen.
The mosaic pieces not only updated the aesthetic of the interior of the clinic but are being used as therapy for patients.
“Art relieves stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation and stimulate memories,” said Solda. “Overall the staff, patients and customers response has been very positive and costumers seem to appreciate them very much.”
The Medical Group is looking into other opportunities to improve patient experience when visiting the clinic. Two more mosaics will be installed in TOPA and Pharmacy waiting areas.
“We’re thrilled to continue to improve our facilities so that the med group remains a fabulous place for Wyvern families to receive healthcare from our amazing Airmen,” said Col. Adair