By: Ari Theodore | Contributing Writer
Photo by: Ari Theodore

The Charles M. Baugh Biomedical Library hosted the Creative Arts and Storytelling for Health and Wellness event on Nov. 14, 2024. It took place in the Student Center Terrace from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with various events and speakers scheduled throughout the day. The director of the Biomedical Library coordinated the event and spoke during the 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. time slots. The event highlighted the connection between science and art and stressed the  importance of both the patient and clinician to remain creative. One of the speakers, comic book artist Quincy Roundtree has drawn comic strips regarding Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and they are going to be used at the Mobile Chapter of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and the Adult and Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic of Mobile. 

The Biomedical Library here at the University of South Alabama has made many attempts in recent years to implement art into the building. Just as Marx Library has a hallway dedicated to artwork, the Biomedical Library also features artwork decorating its walls. If you have been in the Student Center during recent months, you have probably noticed a wall of portraits on the top floor. This is the “Into the Light Project,” detailing people’s stories regarding substance abuse, hosted by the USA Libraries Art Galleries and the Archaeology Museum. This exhibit was the subject of one of the events from the Creative Arts and Storytelling for Health and Wellness. It is a very powerful venue that I recommend checking out for yourself.

From 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Dr. Lisa Ennis hosted a session on mindful sketchbooking. She gave her experience and her perspectives on art and drawing while guests of the event were provided with sketchbooks, oil pastels and other various art equipment to doodle on. She talked about how much of a stress reliever art can be, especially within the medical field. With as much stress that goes into being a doctor, nurse or any healthcare professional, it is important to also practice self care. She outlined four reasons to draw: “(for) relaxation, to slow down, to work out problems and (for) fun.” She also emphasized that fancy or expensive supplies are not important – what is more important is that you are enjoying what you are doing and not allowing it to become an additional stressor.

The Charles M. Baugh Biomedical Library is embracing innovation and hopes to host more events like this in the future.