Artist Shares Personal Mental Health Journey Through New Art Installation at Vail Health Precourt Healing Center in Edwards
The new Vail Health Precourt Healing Center opened in Edwards earlier this month, and the behavioral health facility is taking a patient-centered approach that isn’t just about treating the patient; it’s about building meaningful connections with them. That mindfulness is exhibited in the design, furnishings, orientation, and more. One prominent part of the Precourt Healing Center that has a personal and local connection is the art installation at the entrance. Donated by Edwards artist Frank Carfaro of Frank + Hank, “Inside Out” shares a story about perceptions, misdiagnosis, and finding your calling.
Carfaro found out about the new mental health facility through his friend, Amanda Precourt, whose family was instrumental in raising funds in the Vail Valley to provide a place to help others.
“Once I told Amanda I wanted to create and donate a piece of art for the facility, she loved the idea, and it’s one of the most prominent features in front of the facility. All the hardscaping and the concrete were designed to showcase ‘Inside Out,’ which is so humbling. I’m honored and grateful that it’s being so well-received by the community.”
Carfaro is not only sharing his artistic talents in order to help de-stigmatize mental health, but he’s also volunteering some time to be a cabin leader for Roundup River Ranch’s new mental health camp this summer.
“This is their first year creating a mental health component to their programming, and I’m just excited to share my story and contribute to the community and help out,” Carfaro said. “When people say, ‘What do you love most about Vail?’ My first answer is ‘community’ because we have so many people who are so willing to put resources behind mental health, so through my art and sharing my story, I hope to make a difference.”
