A Mosaic Waterfall was unveiled on Aug. 29 at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Reflection Garden. From left: Sue McNeil, Director of Volunteer Services, and artists: Tammy Merendo, Linda Biggers, and Susan Ruscitto.

Gloversville, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home revealed their waterfall mosaic art in the Reflection Garden Thursday, August 29. The mural is a staggering 12 feet high and has a width of almost 9 feet.

“I wanted to thank everyone for making this possible,” says Laurence Kelly, President and CEO of Littauer. “We are grateful for: Glen Henry with Greenscapes Landscaping, Tim Insogna with Full Masonry Services, the Engineering Department, Environmental Services, as well as Nutritional Services. We should all be very proud of Joseph Rossi, who made the donation to fund the mural, Norma Cozzolino, President of the Auxiliary, Sue McNeil, Director of Volunteer Services, the Auxiliary members, and all volunteers. We would also like to especially thank the artists: Tammy Merendo, Linda Biggers, and Susan Ruscitto. We have many members and staff who have worked tirelessly to make this possible. They are very dedicated to what they do and this mural is a reflection of that.”

Sue McNeil had given a heart-warming speech at the event: “For our hospital, it’s more than just healing physically. We also heal mentally and spiritually. This artwork represents our spirituality and humanity because a lot of love went into this mural and its making.” She states, “We also understand the demands practitioners and staff go through on a daily basis. So, we also wanted to create a space worthy of them. I think we succeeded.”

To make the creation and installation more manageable, the mural was divided into six sections. The mural is comprised of pieces of stained glass, agate, and clay. The making of the mural had taken place inside Tammy Merendo, R.N.’s art studio in Amsterdam. Hundreds of hours were invested in the mural’s creation.

Artist Tammy Merendo speaks during the unveiling of a Mosaic Waterfall Aug. 29 at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Reflection Garden.

“Every time you look at the mural, you see something different,” says Tammy. “Everything you see in the mural has a purpose and a story to tell. Some of the Tiffany glass, which was lovingly found and scrubbed clean, was from the razed Second Presbyterian Church in Amsterdam. The flowers throughout the piece were from made from a barrette that belonged to Sammy, Sue McNeil’s granddaughter, who had unfortunately passed. The barrette was made into a mold to make flowers for the mural. Homemade stamps from the late Laurie Priest, who had passed away, were used to create some of the leaves in the mosaic. Both were used to represent loved ones who are no longer with us. The memories of those passed will continue to live-on through this installation.”

“The transformation of the Reflection Garden alone is something to consider as well. It’s a beautiful space for patients, visitors, and staff to visit and enjoy,” says Mr. Kelly. “It is not just for employees of Nathan Littauer Hospital. It is a space that is dedicated to everyone and is welcomed to be used by all.”

The waterfall mosaic mural is located in the Reflection Garden. The Garden is on the first floor between the hospital and the Primary Care Center. Patients who are staying at the hospital can ask staff to bring them to see the mural. The public is encouraged to come and visit from the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Any staff member or the information desk can provide directions to the Reflection Garden.

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About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.