Evening of the Arts features performances by the IU School of Medicine Orchestra and Choir, dances, live readings, and more. The event has also offered School faculty, staff, and students an outlet for their creative endeavors since its debut in 1992.
Most importantly, the event serves as a fundraiser for the Student Outreach Clinic. Proceeds from a silent art auction go toward the free clinic, which provides primary care to uninsured and underserved members of the Central Indiana community.
Arts offer students needed relief
Aneesha Anand, a third-year medical student, is EOTA president this year. Her watercolor artwork will be among those featured this year. Her painting provides a way to cope with the stress of rotations.“I would doodle in between rounds,” Anand said. “It’s good to take the time out of your day to relax and make a quick little painting or sketch. It can be therapeutic and reduce the stress of a clinical setting.”
Kathleen Ho, a fourth-year student with an interest in ophthalmology, agrees.
“The best way I’ve found to avoid burnout is to set aside time to do what makes me happiest, and for me, that’s painting outside for a few hours, trying new techniques like gouache, or crafting with friends—even if it’s only once or twice a month,” she said. “Variety and new experiences keep my creativity alive and my mind flexible.”
Ho will be donating prints she made of the Indianapolis skyline and a chess game to the silent auction.
It’s not just students who participate in the event, however. Lisa Gill (aka Lisa Devon), an administrative assistant to the Medical Student Education department chair for three years, will perform her spoken word pieces at the event. Although unable to be a full-time artist because of financial considerations, Gill is thankful the School offers her flexibility and a chance to showcase her skills.
“You need to have benefits, and the university provides that, which is nice,” she said. “[The School] has also provided me several opportunities to perform. It is so much fun.”
Check out last year’s Evening of the Arts profile.
