Creative Arts

The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Humanities in Healthcare Education Initiative invites artists to submit work for its upcoming Fall 2026 exhibition:

Where Healing Grows: Exploring Art, Nature, Health, and Well-Being

Exhibition Details
Exhibit Dates: September 24 – December 17, 2026
Exhibit Location: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Opening Reception: 
Thursday, September 24
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016

This exhibition explores the connections between art, nature, health, and well-being, inviting artists to consider what happens when nature becomes an active collaborator in the creative process.

For this exhibition, artists were encouraged to allow natural elements—such as weather, time, plants, rocks, seeds, bark, and other living or found materials—to help shape the final work. Rather than exercising complete control over the materials, artists were invited to act as facilitators, creating space for natural processes and materials to become an integral part of the artwork.

We are especially pleased to feature creative works from local community organizations: 3 Balloons, The Morningside Urban Farm, Virginia Tech Engagement Center for Creative Aging (ECCA), and Veterans in Focus.

Come explore the exhibition, meet the participating artists, and enjoy a lovely evening of art and conversation. Light refreshments will be provided.

For questions or additional information, contact Courtney Powell (cbrakes@vt.edu).

David Trinkle, Associate Dean for Community and Culture says of the Creativity in Health Education Program, “Art can enhance a person’s adaption to illness as well as promote recovery. We hope that the programs and shows that we feature at our school reinforce a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare that will benefit the students as well as the community as a whole.”