Upcoming Events Will Explore the Intersection of Wellness and the Arts
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 11, 2019) – The University of Kentucky Arts in HealthCare program has teamed up with local arts organization CREATE for "Music in Mind," a series of events that include a visual art exhibit, musical performance, live art performance and panel discussion that explores the ways in which art affects health and wellness.
On Friday, Jan. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m., during Lexington's bimonthly Gallery Hop, the event opens with the "Music in Mind" exhibit at First Presbyterian Church. Curated by local artist Kathy Rees Johnson, the exhibit features 35 works from artists from all over Kentucky that respond to the theme of music and how it serves to engage, inspire, influence and heal.
At 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., there will be performances by a musical group comprised of patients with Parkinson's and their caretakers. The choir is directed by Kentucky Children's Hospital music therapist Amelia Ehmling and local music therapist Laura Cahoon.
From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., UK associate professor of Jazz studies, Raleigh Dailey, will improvise on the piano while Lexington visual artist, Dawn Scripps, paints a live, improvisational work of art in response to the music.
On Saturday, Jan. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, there will be a keynote speaker and an interdisciplinary panel discussion on the many ways music and the arts can impact health and wellness. The keynote speaker is Melissa Rehm, president of the Parkinson's International Foundation. The panel discussion will be led by Jason Akhtarekhavari, UK Arts in HealthCare program manager, and will include:
- Amy Hickman, events coordinator, Parkinson’s Foundation, Louisville/Nashville
- Amelia Ehmling, music therapist for UK KCH
- Austin Robinson, Edge Music Therapy
- As well as artists that participated in the Music in Mind exhibit
All events are free and open to the public.
For more information, email Jason Akhtarekhavari or call 859-323-9896.