Project Made Possible by the Junior League of Baton Rouge
A dull, gray rooftop view from Woman’s Newborn and Infant Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been transformed into an underwater fantasy thanks to the Junior League of Baton Rouge. The garden features whimsical metal sculptures of native Louisiana animals such as the crawfish, turtle and alligator, and visitors can learn about the creatures through interactive kiosks. The installation is part of the Junior League of Baton Rouge’s $100,000 gift, given in conjunction with its 85th anniversary celebration, in collaboration with The Walls Project and artists Joel Breaux, Stephanie Landry, and Clark Derbes with creative consultants WHLC Architecture, Milton J. Womack Contractors, Raina Wirta, and Melisa Rad.
“The Junior League of Baton Rouge is proud to partner with Woman’s Hospital on the ‘Embracing Estuary’ art installation. This rooftop sanctuary is a space where families can go to seek comfort while their babies are being cared for in the NICU. It is our hope that this space will also serve as a haven where families can later reconnect with the wonderful medical teams and staff who played such an integral role during their time at Woman’s Hospital,” said Jessica Gagliano, President of the Junior League of Baton Rouge. “These intentions, combined with the opportunity for the League to celebrate life in its sincerest form, are just a few reasons that the League and our members are so proud to be a part of this project.”
We are so grateful to the Junior League of Baton Rouge for making this project possible. The rooftop garden is a special way to greet the families of more than 1,200 critically ill babies who visit our NICU each year.