2022-2023 Events

Painting Workshops with Dr. Lona Mody | 10.02.22 & 10.09.22

Twenty medical students and house officers created original acrylic paintings during two painting workshops led by Amanda Sanford Hickey Professor of Internal Medicine, Dr. Lona Mody and arts educator Julee Li. The theme was what we can learn from artists and their work in the midst of a pandemic, a theme explored by Dr. Mody in some of her published paintings, about art during pandemics. The supportive environment aided all participants, even those with limited (or no) prior painting experience to create a distinctive work of art. One participant noted that, “It was great to take time out of my schedule to focus on something I am passionate about.” Students explored a range of themes associated with the pandemic, including both the stigma faced by Chinese-Americans and the support offered by three strong women. These workshops provided participants a place of solace from the demands of medical education along with an opportunity to exercise the creative side of their mind.

Rite of Spring / common ground[s] | 10.21.22

Medical Arts Program participants saw The Rite of Spring / common ground[s], a double feature of both iconic and modern works of dance theatre. Before the event we were treated to a discussion with dance scholar Jen Peters, which helped set the context for what was to follow. The first half was a delicate and graceful duet, the second half featured An ensemble of dancers from over a dozen African countries realized Pina Bauch’s choreographic prowess to Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring on a stage covered in peat moss. The energy in the theatre was palpable while emphasized the intricacies and emotion of Stravinsky’s music. One was so taken by the performance that they didn’t realize they were holding their breath! A medical student observed that “Seeing stories told through movement--something I don't often have the pleasure of. It was harrowing, beautiful, grounded and graceful.”

The Berlin Philharmonic Mahler No. 7 | 11.19.22

“The richness of the sound, the dramatic solos, the subtlety of emotion” are just a few words that medical students used to describe their experience witnessing the Berlin Philharmonic play Mahler’s Symphony No. 7. Before the performance, thirty five medical students and house officers heard from Musicology Professor Emeritus Steven Whiting, who presented a lecture on Gustav Mahler, his symphonies, and how this particular orchestra’s excellence can reflect those in the medical field. This was the first experience listening to a symphony orchestra for many attendees. A medical student then noted the “incredible coordination and flow of the various sections in the Philharmonic” - similar to how medical professionals try to work together.

Noura at the Detroit Public Theatre | 12.04.22

Twenty five Medical Arts participants went to the Detroit Public Theatre to see Noura, a gripping and profoundly moving play about experiences and tensions felt by an Iraqi refugee family during the holidays, followed by a post-show discussion with the playwright, Heather Raffo. One student said was struck by “the intense emotion felt by all the characters, the depiction of the common human experience of questioning identity and struggling to find something ‘right’ to hold onto.” Students continued their conversation at a local establishment over pizza. The first foray into Detroit for an event during the past few years was a massive success for the Medical Arts Program. “I'm always looking for ways to go beyond Ann Arbor and explore the surrounding communities, “ said another participant.

Ceramics and Woodworking Workshop Series with Nick Tobier, STAMPS | 01.26.23 , 02.05.23 & 02.12.23

Sixteen medical students met at the Stamps School on three separate occasions to create ceramic plates and to carve wood cutlery under the expert tutelage of Professor and Faculty Leader-in-Residence Nick Tobier. The sessions were timed to coincide with the time in the medical school curriculum when students were studying gastroenterology – thus, the unifying concept was “food.” Each session started with a discussion of how the arts have depicted ideas about food and digestion. The final meeting utilized a rustic outdoor pizza oven on North Campus to tie the workshops together over a meal. Students “loved thinking about cross-cultural differences in food experiences” and the reminder that :sharing food has way more cultural valence than just the digestive process.”

Tour of the University of Michigan Museum of Art | 05.31.23

David Choberka, University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) Curator for University Learning and Programs, took twenty medical students on a journey through UMMA. BY having participants engage in art-making practices such as drawing and poetry, Choberka guided the group to enact artistic interpretation through the lens of a future doctor. The tour focused on YehRim Lee’s ‘Dopamine Dressing’ exhibit and a new museum exhibition by Frederick Ebenezer Okai titled When Gods Speak, Heaven Listens. After the conclusion of the tour, the group met for dinner and continued conversations at Knight’s Restaurant in Downtown Ann Arbor.

Medical Arts Program Artist's Guild Spring 2023 Showcase | 06.06.23

After a multi-year hiatus, the Medical Arts Program Artist’s Guild triumphantly returned to Kerrytown Concert House in early June with another Medical Arts Program Artist’s Guild (MAPAG) Showcase. Spearheaded by Medical Arts Program Arts Ambassadors, this MAPAG performance highlighted a myriad of talents from current medical students. The “joy and passion” of fellow students was well demonstrated in poetry reading, flute duets, stunning vocals, and a lovely piano performance. Over fifty medical students came out to support their peers and over $100 was raised to support Seven Mile, a student organization that is dedicated to music education in Detroit.