When: 

April 25 , 2018, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: 

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016

Come, laugh with us!

Throughout his career, Dr. Julien Meyer was known for his appreciation of humor and skillful ability to incorporate it into his work. Recent studies and scholarship overwhelmingly support what Dr. Meyer already knew – laughter is good medicine. This exhibit seeks to honor Dr. Meyer’s life and his many contributions to the school, while highlighting the mental, physical, and social benefits of a good chuckle.

Several artists participating in this show reported that humor serves as creative inspiration for their work, while others sought to honor personal connections to Dr. Meyer, including his son, Jeff Vespa. Vespa, a photographer and film director, will exhibit eight celebrity photographs from his coffee table book, “Art of Discovery.” These humorous portraits feature Seth Rogen, Jason Alexander, Laura Dern, Jessica Biel, and other famous faces.

“My father was always joking with his patients. He would wear a red foam clown nose or put a large plastic cockroach on the exam table to make people laugh,” Vespa wrote. “The photos I am showing have that same joy in them. I hope that when people see them they remind them of his humor and kind manner. I miss him every day and know the community does too.”

In addition to practicing at Physicians to Women, which was founded by his father, Dr. Meyer was a faculty member at the school and embodied many of the school’s core values, especially patient-centered care and community involvement. This exhibit is dedicated to honoring Julien Meyer’s longtime service to the community, his patients, and the school, while celebrating two of his many interests – humor and art.

Members of the public and the school community are invite to an opening reception on April 25th, which will serve, in part, as a tribute to Dr. Julien H. Meyer, Jr. The exhibit will remain on display through July 13, 2018.

Opening Reception

April 25 at 5-7 pm
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
2 Riverside Circle
Roanoke, VA 24016

Event Activities

Remarks at 5:30 pm in the Lobby
Art Exhibition Viewing – 1st & 2nd Floor Hallways
Dr. Julien H. Meyer Memorial Video – Room M106 (1st Floor)
Caricatures with Kyle Edgell – 1st Floor Hallway