In the Library with a Paintbrush
By Justin Robertson, Lisa Ennis, and Gail Kouame
Medical libraries tend to have fairly clear-cut missions, providing service to a highly specialized and distinct set of patrons. It might seem incongruous to also have them serve as art galleries and shared creative spaces, but two health sciences libraries in Alabama are doing that very thing. The Baugh Biomedical Library at the University of South Alabama (in Mobile, Alabama) and the Library at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (in Dothan, Alabama) have both integrated the arts into their programming, engendering a renewed sense of community by highlighting aesthetics, shared ideas, and open expression.
The University of South Alabama’s Marx Library has had an established art space for two decades, but it was not until new director Gail Kouame was appointed that the institution’s Baugh Biomedical Library established their own gallery: the ArtSpace@BioMed. The Biomedical Library began hosting its own art displays in Fall 2022. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, entitled “Veterans’ Expressions,” was a collaborative effort with the university’s Office of Veteran Affairs, and featured artwork by students and faculty who are veterans or veteran-affiliated. Subsequent shows have included “Images of Science” (featuring pictures from the Max Planck Society), “Two Points of View” (a dual artist show featuring acrylic paintings and photography), and in cooperation with the Marx Library “JAWS Fest – Jazz Art Writers of the South.” These shows have proven so successful that the gallery is currently booked a year in advance, and future displays will feature nature photography, textile arts and the “Into Light Project” exhibition.
Each of these exhibits has been set up to reflect the overall mission of the USA Libraries Gallery Spaces, including: 1) providing a venue for local artists to showcase their work publicly at no charge; 2) enhancing the libraries’ cultural role on campus and in the larger community; 3) creating environments that are uplifting, inviting, and inspirational for library visitors and employees; and 4) allowing for programming to draw people in to learn about the artists and/or the themes of the exhibits.
Pursuant to these goals, the Biomedical Library has learned several relevant lessons, most significantly the benefits of partnering with outside entities. Partnerships – such as with the Office of Veteran Affairs and the campus Archeology Museum – enrich the experience for all involved. It is through these partnerships that the ArtSpace gallery can broaden its appeal, reach a wider audience, and make a deeper connection with its participants.
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) in Dothan, Alabama is a standalone medical school. An osteopathic degree (DO) differs from the more common MD due to its more holistic approach to treating a patient. Graduates from ACOM complete the same curriculum as their allopathic colleagues but must complete an additional 200 hours of osteopathic principles and practice.
The first semester class, Foundations of Modern Healthcare (FMHC), focuses on adjusting to medical school and personal wellness. Former Library Director and course director for FMHC 2 and 3, Lisa Ennis, DrPH, MA, MS, MPH presents a lecture in this course on the role of art in medicine. This lecture has two pieces. The first defines art therapy and demonstrates how it is used in medicine. The second part focuses on how the creative process can reduce stress and anxiety. The assignment for this course is to create some artistic piece and then write a few sentences reflecting on how students think art therapy could be helpful for patients with chronic conditions. The artwork resulting from this assignment is subsequently displayed for the entire ACOM community.
This lecture/assignment inspired students to ask Dr. Ennis to host further creative arts events. From this “Paint Nights” and “Sketchy Brunches” were born. These occur throughout the semester, frequently after particularly challenging exams. Based on the popularity of these events the library was asked to lead art events for an in-person summer science camp. This too proved quite successful.
Additionally, with COVID and the cancellation of regular events, students asked the library to host a virtual paint night. Other art-related library-hosted events followed, and many students reported that these sessions helped them deal with the stress of COVID-19.
Just in the past year ACOM launched a school-wide wellness initiative, with the library hosting a monthly lunchtime arts and crafts activity for staff. The growth has continued. This year the library facilitated a student-driven effort to have an exhibit of student, staff, and faculty art at the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of art in healing. The students have learned that no matter how they choose to be creative, the process is an important component of their self-care.
Though distinctly different in their approach, both the Baugh Biomedical Library and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Library have found ways to integrate art into their mission. Both approaches demonstrate repeatedly how art and the creative process can be integral to building stronger, healthier, and more encompassing communities.