From a press release by Emily Coder of Visiting Nurse Association of Philadelphia
Approximately 2 years ago, MSoP members participated in creating individual mosaic elements to be combined into several mosaic panels. This effort was spearheaded by our own Robyn Miller. Unfortunately, circumstances conspired to keep these panels from being installed at their final location, the Hospice Unit of Visiting Nurse Association of Philadelphia (VNA Philadelphia). At long last, on September 22, 2021, was able to hold a dedication ceremony for the installation of panels. The ceremony was attended by MSOP representatives Robyn Miller and Alissa Blumenthal.
VNA Philadelphia dedicated the mosaic artwork on their inpatient hospice unit in honor of community patient, Aaron Blandon. “It is only appropriate that Aaron would be remembered through these spectacular pieces of Mosaic Art crafted by members of the Mosaic Society of Philadelphia,” said Chaplain Donna Geiger prior to the installation of mosaic art. The pieces that were hung in VNA’s inpatient unit are as beautifully intricate and colorful as was Blandon’s life. An artist and writer/director/producer whose credits included film, TV and theatre productions, Aaron was also a father, musician and educator. A retired teacher who taught and tutored English in the Philadelphia Public Systems, Aaron instructed video production and lectured on various video and film topics. A lover of the arts, Aaron spent a good part of his life working within this domain, including film, theatre, music, writing and photography. “It was his stories that helped our staff understand the power of art,” said Geiger.
Aaron Blandon’s friend and colleague, Robyn Miller of MSoP chose to dedicate the mosaic art to VNA Philadelphia because, “This and all art was such an important part of Aaron’s life. He lived nearby and spent his final days here; having a piece of him [at VNA] is so meaningful. He always would ask me if I’m having fun and the art that has been installed at VNA in his memory is just that - FUN.”
