Artistic Expressions show uncovers talent, spirit of giving

Doctors can be just as precise with a paintbrush as they are with a scalpel. That was the consensus of the more than 250 who attended the Artistic Expressions art show held Aug. 22. The extraordinary artistic skills and talents of Health Science Center faculty and staff were apparent among the more than 50 entries that lined the walls of the Health Science Center auditorium. Paintings, photographs, sculptures and more were on display.

Dr. Toni P. Miles, family and community medicine, and Dr. Steven A. Wartman, executive vice president for academic and health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, took turns entertaining guests with live piano tunes performed on a grand piano loaned to the UTHSC for the event by Alamo Music Center.

"Their willingness to play and the beautiful job they did elevated the evening," said Gina Caliri, director of marketing, who coordinated the event. "I thank them for their generous gift of music."

Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa, Health Science Center president, welcomed guests to the event and praised the artists.

"Looking around tonight at all of these wonderful creations, I truly believe the Health Science Center has some of the most talented faculty and staff in the world," he said. "Realizing and recognizing the tremendous artistic and musical talents of our own co-workers is part of the spirit of this university."

Dr. Cigarroa thanked Caliri for her efforts in coordinating the fund-raiser, which will benefit the newly formed Student Catastrophic Aid Fund. More than $2,700 was raised to provide assistance to students with special financial or medical needs.

Guests enjoyed wines provided by Becker Vineyards and cheeses provided by Sun Harvest Farms. The door prize, provided by Kurt Youngblood Art & Framing, went to Dr. Greg Freeman, cardiology.

Jo Gail Stark (left), cellular and structural biology, explains to Dr. Barbara Boucher, assistant professor in the department of physical therapy, how she created the Lady High Chamberlain's cape. Stark said it took her seven months, with the assistance of her mother and some friends, to sew the cape. The cape is made of black satin, black moiré taffeta, silver metal cloth and mirror sequins, lochrosen and mirrors. The design is by Farrell Tyson for the San Antonio Lutheran Coronation.