MedART
Art Therapy for Medical Students
Create Art and Improve Your Wellness with MedART!
What's MedART?
Inspiration and Creativity
Medical students need a space to dream, to create, to inspire and to be inspired. At MedART, we understand this well, which is why we created this initiative for our students to foster imagination and create a space for discussion and creative expression. MedART is a free longitudinal art therapy class that was started at the University of Michigan Medical School in March 2022. It was created by medical students for medical students. Whether you’re coming in with no art experience or can paint like Picasso, we believe you will find a home to truly express yourself at each of our sessions.
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What's Art Therapy?
At MedART, we understand how challenging and stressful medical school can be for students. To alleviate some of these stressors, we created a supportive community of learners who are ready to tune into themselves and explore different art mediums. Art therapy is PROCESS, not product art. This means we care more about the artistic and healing process, rather than the ultimate product that is created. Art therapy involves the use of creative techniques (such as drawing, painting, collage, coloring, or sculpting) to help people express themselves artistically and explore psychological and emotional challenges. Art and emotions can be messy. At MedART, we're not afraid to lean into the beautiful mess of who we are, where we're coming from, and where we want to go.
Class Logistics
Curriculum
All sessions will be led by Dr. Katherine Munter, a professional art therapist who will lead various wellness topics such as letting go of perfectionism, transient nature art (a day in the Arb), identity & the self, a day with clay, body image, color making & emotions, mental health, creating something out of nothing, and isolation vs community. Each of the art projects will correspond with wellness discussion topics, and all materials including paint, markers, clay, pencils, and collages items will be provided.
Who
Free for all University of Michigan medical students. Absolutely no art experience necessary.
When
The class takes place September to December for 8 classes, 1.5hr sessions.
Learners are expected to attend at least 6 out of 8 sessions.
Where
Taubman Health Sciences Library.
The course will culminate in an art showcase for the community. This will be a mini class reunion, as well as a time and place to reflect and share your artistic process with others. After the showcase, there may be an opportunity for projects to be displayed in the medical school or hospitals.