By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that on Wednesday, October 30, Middlesex County and RWJBarnabas Health celebrated the unveiling of Our Space, a collaborative mural at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
Officials say designed by New Brunswick-based artist Martryce Roach and developed with input from nearly 200 individuals—including hospital staff, patients, students, and community members—the vibrant mural captures the spirit and collective strength of the Middlesex County community.
The unveiling event brought together hospital staff, students, and community leaders, including Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Deputy Director of the Board of County Commissioners Shanti Narra, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital President Alan Lee, Middlesex College President Mark McCormick, Middlesex County Superintendent of Schools Jorge Diaz Director of the Arts Institute of Middlesex County Lindsay Erben, and artist Martryce Roach, according to County authorities.
"Thanks to everyone who helped bring this mural to life, especially the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, RWJBarnabas Health’s leadership, and artist Martryce Roach,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“This mural is not just a piece of art—it’s a vivid representation of the invaluable partnership between Middlesex County and RWJBarnabas Health. It embodies our community's spirit and strength, and I hope it provides comfort and inspiration to all who visit Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.”
“We are grateful to our partners in Middlesex County and the Arts Institute for making this mural possible,” said Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital President Alan Lee.
“It reflects our mission to partner with our communities to build a healthier New Jersey and provides an inspiring space for our patients, visitors, and team members.”
“In Middlesex County, we understand that investing in arts and culture is an investment in the well-being and resilience of our communities,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Chair of the Economic Development Committee.
“Art has the power to heal, inspire, and elevate our spirits. We are proud to support projects that not only beautify our surroundings but also offer hope and unity for everyone who experiences them.”
“Since its inception, the Arts Institute has prioritized public art as a means of bringing people together,” said Director of the Arts Institute of Middlesex County Lindsay Erben.
“From surveys to focus groups, we ensured every voice was included in creating Our Space. This mural now stands as a testament to our community’s diverse perspectives, and we are thrilled it will be a lasting part of the hospital’s story.”
The journey to create the Our Space mural began in December 2023 when hospital leaders approached the Arts Institute of Middlesex County to integrate more public art into the hospital, officials said.
Over the course of the project, artist Martryce Roach led a series of collaborative workshops with students from Paul Robeson Community School for the Arts, East Brunswick Magnet School, and Middlesex College, County officials stated. The mural, prominently displayed within the hospital, is designed to provide hope and inspiration to patients, healthcare workers, and visitors alike.
Middlesex County aithories said this project is a visual representation of the ongoing collaboration between RWJBarnabas Health and Middlesex County.
Through the County’s long-term strategic initiatives, including a $25 million investment in the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, Middlesex County, and RWJBarnabas Health continue to strengthen their partnership—building a robust health and education ecosystem for the region, exemplified by the RWJBarnabas Health Workforce Partnership, according to Middlesex County officials.
For more information about the artist and the story behind the Our Space mural, please visit middlesexcountyculture.com.