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Montefiore Einstein Adds Community Art to Run for the Wild at Bronx Zoo

July 06, 2022
Three children paint a brightly colored large format painting together. The child in the foreground paints a bright yellow fruit, while the next one works on tree leaves. In the back, the spread feathers of a bird can be seen on a background of sky blue.

Thousands of runners and walkers from New York City, Westchester and Connecticut flocked to the Bronx Zoo on April 30 for the 14th annual Run for the Wild 5K walk/run event.

This year’s run was dedicated to the colorful hornbill, an endangered bird native to the forests of Asia and Africa (which can also be seen at the Bronx Zoo). Proceeds from this year’s Run for the Wild will help protect the hornbill, which is threatened by deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade.

A crowd of runners begins the road race at the starting line.

The hornbill was also the focus of Montefiore Einstein’s new activity this year: a community mural celebrating the bird. Local artist Laura Alvarez created the outline for the mural, which race fans and participants were invited to finish by painting it in. 

Local Artist Laura Alvarez and several helpers stand in front of the large scale mural they designed to celebrate the endangered Hornbill bird.
From left, Laura Alvarez and Marcos Crespo, SVP, Community Affairs

I think it’s awesome that Montefiore Einstein wants to invest in people and wants the community involved. I love these types of events because everybody is happy and everyone wants to participate.

Laura Alvarez

Alvarez’s work has previously been featured at Montefiore Einstein campuses as part of the Fine Art Program and Collection at Montefiore Medicine. She is also co-founder, vice president and COO of BxArts Factory, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to make art accessible to everyone in the Bronx.

People with Montefiore Einstein towels stand in front of the Montefiore Einstein tent at the race.
The Office of Community Relations was on-site with health information and branded gym towels for all the event’s participants.  
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