UAB Arts in Medicine

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UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM)

Through a collaboration with the Alys Stephens Center and UAB Medicine, UAB Hospital was the first hospital in Alabama to have a formal Arts in Medicine program. AIM offers a holistic approach to healing that focuses on the needs of the mind, body, and spirit. By transforming the environment of care, AIM enhances the experience for patients, families, and staff. This is achieved through creative arts programs delivered in both hospital and non-hospital settings. Their team includes trained teaching artists-in-residence and board-certified music and arts therapists, who provide meaningful and therapeutic arts experiences.
Research has demonstrated that integrating the arts into the healthcare environment can benefit patients in the following ways: reduced stress levels; improved mood; distraction from medical problems; and reduced suffering. Studies demonstrate the positive impact an art activity can have during a hospital stay, creating a brief respite from examinations and medical procedures. AIM’s workshops provide that much needed diversion for patients and their families. Community-based programs, like Aging Creatively, are designed to enhance general well-being and support positive aging.
AIM started with art programs in 2 hospitals for 10 hours a week. The program now provides services for over 80 hours a week at UAB Hospital, Children’s of Alabama, at Aging Creatively facilities and other community partners including CARES, Founder’s Place, and St. Vincent’s East.

Interested in working with Arts in Medicine? Please complete this application.

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Meet the Team

Kimberly Kirklin, AIM Director

Lauren Edwards, AIM Manager

Mya Alston, AIM Coordinator

 

Hospital & Community

Anne Markham Bailey, Teaching Artist

Avivi Behel, Artist in Residence

Cristal Brister, Artist in Residence, Playback Theatre Troupe Director 

Dr. Kira Fonbah, Artist in Residence

Dr. Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk, Teaching Artist

Dr. Lisa Gibbs, Teaching Artist

Elizabeth Cunniff, Artist in Residence 

Ellise Mayor, Teaching Artist

Frannie James, Teaching Artist

Haleigh Black, Musician in Residence

Jamie Kilgore, Teaching Artist

John Scalici, Therapeutic Drummer

Kim Richardson, Yoga Therapist

Mary Horn, Teaching Artist

Mary Margaret Scalici, Teaching Artist

Melissa Turnage, Artist in Residence

Molly Werk, Provisional Art Therapist 

Sarah Heath, Artist in Residence

Stephanie Tatum, Teaching Artist

Teri Weksler, Teaching Artist

Valerie Hanks, Art Therapist

Walker Wright, Therapeutic Drummer

 

Children’s of Alabama-based Music Therapists

Hannah Oakes

Libby Stephens

Sunny Davenport

Weldon Langham

You Can Make a Difference

Help UAB Arts in Medicine offer comfort and hope to hospital patients through the healing power of the arts.

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Upcoming AIM Events

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    AEIVA and UAB Arts in Medicine PresentsMuseum Meditations: The Art of Virginia Lee Montgomery

    A partnership between UAB’s Arts in Medicine and the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, the Museum Meditations program uses art to inspire reflection and mindfulness while encouraging participants to unwind and relieve stress. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for a free 45-minute guided meditation led by certified yoga therapist, Kim Richardson. Each session, inspired by the art of Virginia Lee Montgomery, will be held in the galleries at AEIVA immersed in the art on view. Due to space restrictions, classes are capped to a total of 20 participants per class. Advance registration is required. Participants in these programs may be expected to sit on the floor or in a low chair or cushion for prolonged periods of time. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats or small floor cushion. Please note that water bottles are not permitted in the galleries.

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  • UAB Arts in Medicine PresentsTheatre, A Caretaker of Grief

    Dane Peterson, an interdisciplinary theatre artist with over 35 years of professional experience, is a beacon of transformation in the arts community. His roles as an actor, director, playwright, stage manager, producer, and educator, combined with his position as Director for ArtPlay at the UAB Center for the Arts, have enabled him to champion new works and transformative storytelling. His practice, which delves into grief, resilience, and the divine, is a testament to the power of courageous, heart-centered theatre. In this VMHM, we will discuss Peterson's original work, Primogeniture, a transformative journey that draws from his personal experience with illness and healing, creating spaces for reflection and connection. 

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  • AEIVA and UAB Arts in Medicine PresentsMuseum Meditations: The Art of Virginia Lee Montgomery

    A partnership between UAB’s Arts in Medicine and the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, the Museum Meditations program uses art to inspire reflection and mindfulness while encouraging participants to unwind and relieve stress. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for a free 45-minute guided meditation led by certified yoga therapist, Kim Richardson. Each session, inspired by the art of Virginia Lee Montgomery, will be held in the galleries at AEIVA immersed in the art on view. Due to space restrictions, classes are capped to a total of 20 participants per class. Advance registration is required. Participants in these programs may be expected to sit on the floor or in a low chair or cushion for prolonged periods of time. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats or small floor cushion. Please note that water bottles are not permitted in the galleries.

    Read More Register For Free

  • UAB Arts in Medicine PresentsWriting for Growth and Connection with Sharrif Simmons

    Join us for an hour of poetry, stories, and discussion with Veterans, individuals in recovery, and others who engaged with Sharrif Simmons during his February residency with AIM.

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  • UAB Arts in Medicine PresentsMedical Music Day

    UAB Arts in Medicine welcomes YCA on Tour to UAB Medicine. Join us for this special noon performance on January 27th at 12 PM in the UAB Highlands Atrium, where world-class artistry meets the heart of healing.

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