In 2017 an opportunity to explore Public Art and Public Health lead me to a 2020 enrollment in an online Graduate Certificate Program at the University of Florida. I am currently studying as part of the first cohort of the Arts in Public Health Graduate Certificate Program at the University of Florida's Center for Arts in Medicine.
The Program consists of two eight-week courses, a sixteen-week practicum, and one additional eight-week course. I have completed the first two courses and the Practicum, and will conclude with the Professional Seminar in the Spring of 2021.
The pandemic presented logistical challenges to delivering hands-on arts in health experiences; however, virtual delivery offered alternative opportunities.
Some work samples based on assignments in the courses to date are presented here.
SPRING 2021 UPDATE:
My 12 week Hands On Arts in Public Health Practicum, Voluntary Expressions, was completed through the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami Dade County as an online opportunity for volunteer staff furloughed since pandemic closures.
The creative engagement employed poetry as a tool through one hour online sessions twice weekly.
Approximately 25 participants crafted group and individuals poems dubbed, 'Donations'. The 'Donations' were presented by the participants at a live event during Arsht Center Market Mondays in celebration of the Voluntary Expressions and National Poetry Month.
The Professional Seminar followed the Practicum and will conclude in June.
The Graduate Certificate Commencement will be held in Gainesville on August 6, 2021, 7-9:30pm.