Honoring the Heartbeat of Houston: Living Icons Memorial Unveiled for COVID-19 Victims at Quentin Mease

Francis Page Jr. | 11/16/2023, 12:58 p.m.
Houston Style Magazine celebrates the poignant dedication of "Liv- ing ICONs: A Tribute to Houston's COVID-19 Heroes" at Quentin Mease …
Art Show, CoVid victims memorial, Influence, Living Icons May 6, 2021

Houston Style Magazine celebrates the poignant dedication of "Living ICONs: A Tribute to Houston's COVID-19 Heroes" at Quentin Mease Health Center. This emotive art exhibit immortalizes nearly a thousand Houstonians lost to the pandemic with their images gracing the walls, symbolizing strength, community, and remembrance.

In a ceremony that touched the hearts of many, Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, Harris Health CEO, emphasized the profound impact COVID-19 had on our lives and the importance of acknowledging the shared experience and the lives cherished and remembered.

Artist Joni Zavitsano's Byzantine-inspired halos, fashioned with 18-carat gold leaf, encapsulate the dignity of each individual, transforming loss into a legacy of honor. Family members, by contributing photos, played a crucial role in shaping this narrative of love and legacy.

The exhibit's resonance is palpable, as evidenced by Susan Reyes Cardenas, who finds solace in the exhibit's homage to her mother, Mary Jean Reyes. It's a sentiment echoed by the Mandola sisters, who honor their father, Vincent Mandola, through this visual ode.

The event was further dignified by Harris County Commissioner Lesley Bri- ones' commendation of Zavitsano’s work, inspiring the community to perpetuate the memory of the departed through acts of kindness and support for those in need.

As we reflect on this memorial, the legacy of Quentin R. Mease, a pioneer in Harris Health's history, is also celebrated, underscoring a commitment to serving the community.

Join the dedication and witness the unveiling of this enduring tribute to resilience and remembrance. For more information, visit Joni Zavitsano's website to explore the stories behind the "Living ICONs" exhibit.If you or someone you know needs help, please call the national hotline 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).evolving skyline and the visionary leaders, like Mayor Turner, who make it all possible.

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