What’s inside? Peering into the human body is often the province of surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists, but eight artists recently looked beyond science and anatomy to explore what lies beneath the body’s surface.  

The artists’ interpretations — expressed through drawings, paintings, and mixed media — will be showcased at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s Fall 2012 Art Exhibition, “What’s Inside?”. The show will open on Sept. 20 with a public reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the school’s atrium.

The upcoming exhibition is the school’s fourth, presented as part of the Creativity in Health Education Program, an initiative dedicated to using art to expand the social, cultural, and humanistic awareness of the school’s students, faculty, and staff. The program, which sponsors two art exhibitions a year, also aims to involve community members in the life of the school.

“Displaying artwork in our building’s halls does more than beautify our space,” said Dr. David Trinkle, the school’s associate dean of community and culture and a co-founder and committee member of the Creativity in Health Education Program. “It also enriches and enlivens our daily lives. We’re particularly excited about this exhibition, which will provide fascinating perspectives on the human body.”

The exhibition is the program’s first professionally curated show, with Roanoke-based artist Susan Jamison as curator. The selected works, Jamison said, are interpretive and symbolic of what binds human parts and spirit.

“Whether through precise detail and structure, by depicting the boldly grotesque and distorted, through narrative and symbolism, or by evoking fragments of memory,” Jamison said, “these artists reveal their respective impressions of what is both seen and unseen inside of us."

The exhibiting artists include Jennifer Anderson of Roanoke; Gerry Bannan of Roanoke; Rachel Bernstein of New York; Mary Chiaramonte of Richmond, Va.; Lauren Levato of Chicago; Ben Osmann of Roanoke; Tif Robinette of Roanoke; and Fiona Ross of Richmond, Va.

The artists will all be in attendance at the exhibition opening, where Jamison will deliver curatorial remarks. Roanoke-based guitarist Kelly Scott will perform during the reception, and refreshments will be served.

Artwork will stay on display through Dec. 20. Following the exhibit’s public opening, viewing of the art will be by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, email Terri Hergrueter or call 540-526-2559.

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