Stephen Robin’s legacy is the love he poured into his art which flowed to others around him. “From a young age, Stephen’s life was art,” shares Susi Levy, his wife. During his life, he created amazing, “whimsical,” large sculptural pieces such as the Federal Triangle Flowers installed at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza in D.C. as well as pieces around Philadelphia.  Stephen’s Parkinson’s diagnosis was difficult for many reasons, but especially because mobility decline impacted his ability to create his art.

He found inspiration for his art in everything, on his walk through the city, in nature, and all around. He sought to bring the beauty he saw in the world into art for others to enjoy. However, he was not strict about how others perceived his art, believing everyone’s experience was individual and leaving the door open for each person’s interpretation.

“He brought art to life and brought his life into his art, creating larger than life pieces inspired by the world around him.”

The Art of Samaritan’s Compassionate Care

Walking into Stephen’s room, Susi heard the familiar music of Bob Dylan playing. She had requested this addition from Stephen’s care team at The Samaritan Center at Voorhees. This small accommodation brought an additional level of comfort to the homey room as notes of Stephen’s favorite singer filled the air. It was just one of the many ways in which his care team was responsive to the needs of Stephen and herself as his caregiver. For Susi, it was a relief to just be able to focus on being present with Stephen’s, cherishing their shared moments, knowing that they were supported by their compassionate and expert Samaritan team.

After Stephen’s passing, Susi had the charge of finding homes for all his art pieces. The warm care at the Samaritan Center had left an impact, and remembering the beautiful art on the walls, Susi knew that she wanted to bring the joy of Stephen’s art there for others to enjoy. So, she set out to bring Stephen’s sculptures to Samaritan, in hopes that his art might bring some comfort to others even during such difficult moments.

 “My quest was to continue Stephen’s Legacy, by giving his pieces a new home. I knew that I had found the right home at The Samaritan Center.” 

Community Effort Brings the Sculptures to Samaritan

Susi was connected to Chris Rollins, Samaritan Chief Development Officer, and in their collaboration and review of Stephen’s sculptures, they found that his Bowl of Rosettes, Bowl of Fruit, and Pineapple sculptures would be lovely additions to the outdoor spaces at The Samaritan Center at Voorhees where patients could admire them from their rooms. From there, the question became how to relocate the large sculptures and how to display them. The answers came in the form of Samaritan’s generous community members pitching in both time and money to bring Susi’s dream to life.

For Phil Dubroff of PMDI Signs, donating the sculpture bases was a way to honor an old friend whose art he admired, and one who had been generous in sharing his time and talents during their school years. He says, “It was an honor for me to create the bases for Stephen’s sculpture and hopefully he would approve of the scale and positioning of the bases. I am sure he would have had good suggestions to make them better. I thank Samaritan for the opportunity of giving back to Stephen.”

The support of folks such as Jim Lee, whose team picked moved the pieces from the studio and installed them at the Center. In addition to the generous gifts of long-time Samaritan donors and volunteers, Eric and Francis Herr, who after hearing of Susi’s goal to bring Stephen’s art to the Center for others to enjoy, decided to contribute to the landscaping of the sculptures at the Center.

“I truly hope they bring solace and peace to all who, for whatever reason, find themselves at The Samaritan Center.”

A year later, as a result of this beautiful community effort, the sculptures are now installed at The Samaritan Center at Voorhees. Chris Rollins reflected on the journey by saying, “Bringing together this group of people and watching each person play an integral role in making this vision a reality has been a uniquely satisfying adventure. Of most importance is knowing that their generous gifts will touch the lives of patients and families, visitors and friends, and many others for years to come.”

Susi’s gratitude is not only for finding a home for Stephen’s art, but also for the joy of knowing they may serve as a moment of respite and remembrance of the beauty that is all around for everyone at the Center. “I feel honored that Samaritan wanted to open the doors and receive Stephen’s art,” Susi continues, “may Stephen’s art help those in sorrow see there’s still beauty around us.”