Medical Arts Program Artist's Guild Fall 2023 Showcase | 09.18.23The Medical Arts Program Artist’s Guild has returned with renewed vigor following a successful revival in early June. Our event this fall featured eleven captivating performances, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 60 medical students at the charming Kerrytown Concert House. Additionally, we proudly raised $120 in support of Music for Dementia, an organization committed to bringing musical joy to local memory care facilities. Beyond the numbers, the event kindled a warm sense of community among us, med students united by our shared passion for the arts.
Eight Nights at the Detroit Public Theatre | 10.22.23Nine Medical Arts Program participants went to the Detroit Public Theatre to see "Eight Nights," a profound journey that follows the life of Rebecca Blum, a Holocaust survivor. Set during the eight nights of Hanukkah, the audience travels with her as she builds a family and a diverse community of loved ones. Followed by a post-show discussion with actress Sarah Winkler, one student noted how "meaningful it is to hear from people in the audience whose parents were survivors." The conversation continued at a local restaurant over pizza! This was an extremely successful continuation of MAP’s encouragement of participation in the arts outside of just Ann Arbor.
Are We Dreaming the Same Dream? Akropolis Reed Quintet at Rackham Auditorium | 11.12.23Nineteen medical students attended the Ann Arbor-originated Akropolis Reed Quintet’s concert "Are We Dreaming the Same Dream?", an exhilarating performance that blurred the lines between classical, jazz, and contemporary music with the assistance of guest artists, jazz pianist Pascal Le Boeuf, and drummer Christian Euman. Representing various perspectives on the homogeneity of the American experience, this concert combined classic repertoire by George Gershwin with originally composed works by Le Boeuf. Afterwards, a post-show discussion was held with Akropolis members Tim Glockin and Matt Landry. The conversation focused largely on the power of listening to one another and the necessity to lead as an artist, and how that translates into medicine. One student wrote about how exciting and engaging it was to hear about the creative process of the musicians.
Painting Workshops with Dr. Lona Mody | 12.03.23 & 12.07.23Sixteen medical students created their own acrylic paintings over two painting workshops led by Amanda Sanford Hickey Professor of Internal Medicine, Dr. Lona Mody, and arts educator Julee Li at the latter’s Corner Art Studio. Being open to students of all experience levels in painting, Dr. Mody and Julee created a supportive and encouraging environment for students to create under the theme "From Poetry to Painting." Students were invited to bring any prose or poetry that they connect with to use as inspiration for their work. One student’s poem by Emily Dickinson, “‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers,” brought them to reflect on “the responsibilities we have as future physicians to care for the spirits of our patients and help them remain hopeful even as they navigate trying circumstances.” This workshop was a lovely opportunity for medical students to momentarily step away from their normal routine and step outside of their comfort zone to be creative.
Martha Graham Dance Company | 02.18.24Fourteen medical students attended the Martha Graham Dance Company’s performance at the Power Center for the Performing Arts. This performance consisted of three works: "Rodeo," choreographed in 1942 with a reorchestration of Aaron Copland’s original score for a bluegrass ensemble, offering an expanded view of the influence of black artists on American music and dance forms; "We The People," a powerful piece choreographed by Jamar Roberts, resident choreographer for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; and finally, Martha Graham’s comedic final work, "Maple Leaf Rag." This diverse showing of dance works was inspiring and invigorating to watch! After the performance, an insightful discussion was held with Artistic Director Janet Eilber, where one student noted a “renewed sense of appreciation for the human body,” especially after speaking with Eilber about the rigor the dancers must endure to produce spectacular performances every night.
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