Embracing the Light

Embracing the Light by artist James Burns is located in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This mural is the culmination of a two-year, multidisciplinary project focused on suicide awareness. The design was inspired by engagements that included mindful writing workshops, a collaborative performance with First Person Arts, and a steering committee made up of members impacted by suicide. The goal is to raise awareness and access to mental health resources

Located at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Embracing the Light by artist James Burns addresses suicide awareness through community-driven art.

Developed through mindful writing workshops and a performance with support from First Person Arts, the project incorporated input from a dedicated steering committee and hundreds of participants during public paint days at the hospital. The mural—set for completion in fall 2025—adds to St. Christopher’s legacy of using art to uplift patients, families, and staff. Burns, who has spent over a decade using art to spark conversations about suicide prevention, created a design that fosters dialogue and reduces stigma. This mural not only transforms the hospital’s exterior but also invites vital conversations around mental health, especially for young people and their families. If you or a loved one are in crisis, call or text 988.