There is a lot happening within the walls of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute – but there is not much decorating them. That will soon change with the kick-off of the school’s art program.

Several times a year, the school will ask local artists to submit work to go on display in the building. An open house will be held at the beginning of each new show for artists to showcase and explore their work with the community.

“There are several reasons we wanted to start an art program here,” said Dr. David Trinkle, associate dean for community and culture. “It adds visual interest to our school, helps humanize the health care environment, and allows audiences to better understand the role of arts in healing. Second, it gives the community an opportunity to interact with the school, either by submitting a piece of art to go on display or by attending the open houses.”

The inaugural art program show will begin at the end of April and run through July. The first public showing will be during the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute's Grand Opening on May 7. An additional art open house will be held at 5 p.m. on May 17.

The school is still accepting art request entries from the community for the inaugural show. Interested artists should return a completed submission form and images no later than March 28. Artists selected to participate in the inaugural art program show will be notified by April 15. Only wall pieces will be accepted for the first show. In the future, all art forms will be under consideration for display.

The inaugural art program show is only the start. Shows will be rotated every few months, so if a piece is not accepted for the upcoming gallery, it may be selected for another show.

“Our hope is that local artists will embrace us as a wonderful venue to showcase their work,” said Trinkle. “It’s a win-win for both parties.”

In addition to a gallery featuring work from local artists, the inaugural art program show will also have a gallery featuring pieces from local high school students. A separate display will feature pieces from Morgan Dana Harrington.

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