UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM)
Through a collaboration with the Alys Stephens Center and UAB Medicine, UAB Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Alabama to have a formal Arts in Medicine program. AIM focuses on the needs of the whole person – mind, body and spirit. AIM includes both interactive and passive arts experiences, which can include bedside and workshop activities, or performances and visual art installations in public spaces.
Research on the arts and health has indicated that arts programs may boost the moods of patients and their families by reducing perceived pain, anxiety and stress. In turn, that could contribute to a reduction in medication use, a quicker recovery and a shorter hospital stay.
AIM offers programs in painting, drawing, sewing, storytelling, theatre, writing, music, guided-meditation and dance/movement in UAB Women & Infants Center, Kirklin Clinic, and North Pavilion. Our artists-in-residence are able to tailor programs to an individual specific needs and offer them bedside in addition to hospital waiting areas.
Meet the Team
Kimberly Kirklin
AIM Director
Lauren Edwards
AIM Program Coordinator
Jessica Stokes
AIM Assistant
Hospital & Community
Haleigh Black
Musician in Residence
Salaam Green
Artist in Residence
Sarah Heath
Artist in Residence
Valerie Hanks
Provisional Art Therapist
Helene Taylor
Artist in Residence
Melissa Turnage
Artist in Residence
Elizabeth Vander Kamp
Artist in Residence
Cristal Brister
Artist in Residence
Melanie Rogers
Musician in Residence
Ellise Mayor
Teaching Artist
Stephanie Tatum
Teaching Artist
Mary Horn
Teaching Artist
John Scalici
Therapeutic Drummer
Children’s of Alabama based Music Therapists
Kim Hamrick
Libby Stephens
Sunny Davenport
Upcoming AIM Events
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-Movement for Parkinson's Class
This global program features highly-experienced dance professionals from Southern Danceworks, teaching with an emphasis on physical and artistic movement potential. Movement for Parkinson’s is modeled after an evidence-based...
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Lunch & LearnThornton Dial Exhibition Special
Join ArtPlay during your lunch hour for an in-depth and first-hand discussion with special guests, artists Richard Dial and Jakob Dwight. This event is inspired by AEIVA’s THORNTON DIAL: I,
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Mental Health MondayThe Domestic Violence Epidemic in America
Susann Clark and Meredith Montgomery will share the story of their daughter and sister, Megan, and how they are working to realize her vision of DV prevention in...
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UAB Arts in Medicine PresentsRaising Our Voices Documentary Premiere + Healing Harmonies
Join UAB Arts in Medicine for a celebration of life highlighting the experiences of people impacted by cancer. We will hear from our dynamic Healing Harmonies choir, directed by...
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Mental Health MondayComfort in Dying
In honor of National Hospice/Palliative Care Month, UAB Palliative Care experts will discuss the cultural stigma around death and why it is important to share our end-of-life wishes...
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Mental Health MondayArt Therapy for Healing
Dr. Chris Strang and Dr. Patricia Isis, board certified art therapists, return for our annual session to discuss the role of clinical art therapy for healing, and how...
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Mental Health MondayDance for Health: The Impact on Whole-Person Wellness
Every week Melissa Turnage, UAB Dancer in Residence teaches dance to people from ages 5 – 95 receiving inpatient treatment for psychiatric disorders. Melissa and others will discuss...
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Mental Health MondayRitual & Community Healing
Guests will discuss the history of healing rituals and community healing practices with roots dating back to our Paleolithic ancestors. We will explore some of these practices that...
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Mental Health MondayExploring Forest Bathing & Ecotherapy
Spending time in nature can have positive benefits for our health. Learn about practices that include forest bathing, horticultural therapy, and other nature-based therapeutic activities. Please contact Lauren...
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Mental Health MondaySupporting Our LGBTQ+ Youth
More than half of LGBTQ+ youth in the US report experiencing symptom of anxiety and depression and 45% have seriously considered suicide according to the Trevor Project. This...
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Mental Health MondayMental Health Awareness Month: Suicide Prevalence and Prevention
In the United States, suicide has been among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10 – 64 according to the CDC. While there are...
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Mental Health MondayCaring for the Family Caregiver
As of 2020 almost 1 in 5 people in the United States were providing unpaid care to an adult with functional needs, according to the National Alliance for...
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Mental Health MondayHomelessness in Birmingham
Homelessness continues to be a problem nationally and locally. In July, guests will discuss the current state of homelessness in Birmingham, local efforts to reduce the rate of...