Updated on 9/17/2025 to include information about the mural celebration event.
You’re Invited: Threads of Life Mural Celebration
Join us for the public dedication of Threads of Life by Mauricio Ramirez, in partnership with the MedQ and Unity Point Health – St. Luke’s Hospital.
Monday, September 29, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:00 PM
830 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
The event will include a short program featuring the artist, Mauricio Ramirez. We’ll also hear from Phil Wasta, Executive Director, MedQuarter Regional Medical District, and Casey Greene, President, UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids. Parking is available around the UnityPoint campus, which is often busy at this time, so arrive early to ensure ample time to find parking. Registration is encouraged, but not required. All are welcome!
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Murals & More is excited to announce the installation of Threads of Life, a painted mural by artist Mauricio Ramirez on the northeast façade of the building at 830 1st Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The local nonprofit worked in partnership to facilitate this project with Cedar Rapids’ MedQuarter Regional Medical District (MedQ) and UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital, as the owner of the building.
Ramirez and his team began painting on August 31, 2025, and was completed on Friday, September 5. Threads of Life is a vibrant, geometric mural celebrating the MedQ’s vision: a holistic healing hub rooted in inclusivity, innovation, and community well-being.
The artwork features a sequence of layered, translucent silhouettes with a bold red heart surrounded by a mosaic of lush greens and uplifting hues at the center. The heart
represents not just healing, but the compassion and vitality at the core of the MedQ.
“The MedQ has a specific focus to cultivate a distinct and welcoming environment that reflects the district’s commitment to health, accessibility, and community. Public art is just one way to
accomplish that. Our board is especially grateful to St. Luke’s for providing this excellent canvas.” says Phil Wasta, executive director of the MedQ.
“This partnership and the MedQ’s priority to use public art as a tool for healing and well-being is inspiring,” says Nick Ludwig, co-chair of Murals & More. “We believe strongly that public art is a
powerful tool to improve public health and belonging.”
About Murals & More
Murals & More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to utilizing local architecture as the backdrop for public art in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We connect artists with space for them to create and inspire. We believe in the power of art that is accessible to all, fostering a sense of belonging and opportunity for thought, contributing to our community’s identity and sense of place, and enriching cultural vibrancy as a reflection of the multifaceted people who live here.
About Maurio Ramirez
Mauricio Ramirez is a dynamic and influential muralist whose vivid, large-scale works have become defining features of urban landscapes across the United States. Rooted in a vibrant fusion of street art, pop culture, and Latinx heritage, Ramirez’s murals are instantly recognizable
for their kaleidoscopic color palettes and geometric stylization. His subjects, often iconic figures or local community members are depicted with a sense of reverence and vitality, offering both
aesthetic brilliance and cultural affirmation. Ramirez, a Mexican-American artist, has transformed walls in cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, and Seattle, turning public spaces into visual celebrations of identity, resilience, and collective memory. More at https://mauriciopaints.com.
About MedQuarter Regional Medical District
The Cedar Rapids MedQuarter (MedQ) is a revitalization partnership committed to promoting a dynamic urban medical community to improve the quality of life, advocate for new business and jobs in the Medical District. The MedQuarter is where many healthcare needs are met in one area of downtown. The MedQuarter creates a vibrant neighborhood, and acts as a catalyst for business growth. The MedQ is a self-supported municipal improvement district (SSMID) and it is governed by a commission that is appointed by the mayor and City Council to establish funding for ongoing District improvements. More at https://themedq.com
