Welcome to the Georgetown Lombardi Arts & Humanities Program (AHP) newsletter. In this issue, we review this year's Day of Dance, discuss our AHP Staff Retreat and 2024 programming, announce virtual class openings for Vinyasa Yoga and Expressive Writing Part II, and invite readers to the Art of Care play at Mosaic Theater.

The 5th Annual Day of Dance in Review

2024 Day of Dance Movement Choir

On September 18, 2024, visitors and staff at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital had the opportunity to experience the 5th annual Day of Dance. Dancers and violinist Anthony Hyatt flowed throughout the hospital infusing movement and beauty.

One might have seen them rippling in single file along the main hallway, breathing and swaying with families and patients in waiting rooms, forming kinetic sculptures within offices, or gracefully moving through the Verstandig Pavilion.

The Day of Dance aimed to engage everyone within the hospital with interactive music and dancing. Meaningful connections with staff, patients and families brought tears, smiles, joy, and moments of ease to the hospital. Day of Dance Co-Director Deborah Riley shared, “I hope our offerings provided people with a moment to feel their own humanity and relieve their stress.” Rehearsing choreography together over the last few months, the group's synchronized and practiced movements interacted perfectly with the spaces they encountered.

One exciting moment during the day occurred at the Main Entrance. Transforming stress into calm and laughter, the group delighted patients waiting for their rides with music, singing, and dancing. An observer stated the event "made their day".

Co-directed by AHP artists-in-residence Deborah Riley and Anthony Hyatt, the movement choir also included AHP artists-in-residence Katie Harris Banks and Carrie Monger. The Day of Dance featured guest dancers, Stacey Yvonne Claytor, Jessica Denson, Safi Harriott, and Jennifer Rivers.

The Day of Dance is supported by

the Georgetown Lombardi Arts & Humanities Program.

Funding was provided by an anonymous foundation.

AHP 2024 Staff Retreat

AHP 2024 Staff Retreat Attendees

The Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program artists-in-residence, staff, and faculty took a weekend away in September for a staff retreat at the Lansdowne Resort in Virginia. The retreat provided time for the AHP as a collective to relax and connect.

During this retreat, the artists were able to reflect on all of the amazing things they have done for MGUH patients, staff, caregivers, and beyond this past year including serving more than 20,000 individuals in the hospital.

With rotating visits in the hospital and many artists who work virtually, the AHP Staff Retreat serves as an opportunity for our artists-in-residence to meet with each other in person and learn more about the many exciting programs and initiatives taking place within the organization.

Meaningful conversations and presentations took place, informing our staff and artists, providing professional development opportunities, and engaging in fun activities to join together in community.

Faculty Director Julia Langley gave a Big Picture Presentation providing an overview of where the AHP has been, its future direction, and the strategic planning in place to accomplish goals.

AHP Faculty Director Julia Langley

AHP artists presenting their lullaby

Artists-in-residence Tamara Wellons and Kinard Cherry with Program Manager Noni Ford demonstrated a new initiative, the Lullaby Project, geared towards the use of music for interpersonal bonding. Artists had the opportunity to collaborate to make and present songs together.

Through a riveting presentation combining visual arts with case studies, Medical Humanities Faculty Member Gay Hanna prompted conversations around BioEthics for artists in healthcare.

Artist-in-residence Jennifer Wilkin Penick delivered a social media presentation detailing how artists can gain more traction and engagement as professionals on Instagram.

Attendees enjoyed movement and yoga breaks led by artists-in-residence Deborah Riley and Katie Harris Banks. New artist-in-residence Martha Spak led a workshop with a hands-on arts and craft project for attendees to relax and enjoy art making with others.

Vases from the workshop led by

Martha Spak

The AHP had a successful year, creating opportunities for wellbeing for the MGUH community, and incorporating many art mediums and platforms. New initiatives include the Lullaby Project, in collaboration with Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, and CollageCare: The Method (TM), a training course developed by Laurie Kanyer. CollageCare: The Method (TM) provides participants with certifications to facilitate therapeutic collage making with groups and individuals.

Along with these initiatives, Faculty Director Julia Langley continues to teach courses for medical and undergraduate students building skills of empathy through the understanding of art and language.

Sharon Wolpoff's "The Pool Guys"

Outreach has been expanded within MGUH through the hiring of new artists-in-residence Jesse Palidosky (musician), Martha Spak (visual artist), Sara Matayoshi (musician), Rashida Edmonson (movement artist), and Jody Marshall (musician).

The AHP featured several visual art exhibitions in the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Adult Clinic, including "The Healing Arts" by Aida Murad, "Recollections" by Sharon Wolpoff, and the recent installation, "Nature's Embrace" by Martha Spak. These artworks have beautified the clinic, providing warmth and color for visitors.

The AHP publication Lombardi Voices and the annual Poetry Cafe has built a community of writers within MGUH and around the world. Lombardi Voices compiles poems from the MGUH community. The Poetry Cafe will celebrate its 10th year in the Spring of 2025.

With more than 40,000 sign ups and 820 classes on Eventbrite since 2020, our "Continuum Of Care" Virtual Class Program has proven to be highly successful. A global community has been created, improving wellbeing and sparking creativity around the world. This fall, more than 3000 participants signed up for classes!

"Continuum of Care" participants around the world

The AHP continues to expand and exemplify the power of the arts for participants both in person and virtually. Serving the mission of MGUH, the AHP is touching the hearts and minds of many, and making wellness accessible across various platforms.

Eventbrite Virtual Class Openings

Mindful Flow Vinyasa Yoga

Join Us for Movement!

Students will explore gentle yoga, transitioning mindfully from one movement to the next. Guided by AHP artist-in-residence Rashida Edmondson, each class will offer options for students to customize their practice to their individual needs. Classes incorporate movement, breathing, and connecting the outer body and inner self.

Expressive Writing Part II

Expressive Writing Artist-in-Residence Michelle Berberet

Come Write With Us!

The Expressive Writing Workshops offered by AHP artist-in-residence Michelle Berberet, are a safe, supportive place to put your thoughts and feelings on paper and improve your wellbeing. Registration is now open for classes starting on November 5, 2024.

The "Continuum of Care" program is offered free of charge by the Georgetown Lombardi Arts & Humanities Program (AHP) at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

We invite you to donate to the AHP!

Your gift of any amount will help the AHP continue to provide online classes to our global community, foster a creative and constructive response to illness, and bring comfort and inspiration to those who need it most.

The Art of Care at Mosaic Theater

ABOUT THE ART OF CARE

The Art of Care

Conceived & Directed by Derek Goldman

October 31st - November 24, 2024

Featuring a powerhouse DC cast including Jabari Exum, Billie Krishawn, Raghad Mahklouf, William T. Newman, Jr., Tuyet Pham, Susan Rome and Tom Story.

One of the most profound experiences we all share is how we care for, and are cared for by, others. The Art of Care is an innovative world premiere theatrical event exploring this common thread of our humanity at a time in our world when care often feels in short supply. Featuring an ensemble of all-star DC performers sharing from their own deeply personal experiences, this uplifting and interactive genre-breaking devised play combines movement, music, and multimedia with the insights of caregivers, medical professionals, policymakers, and everyday citizens, and courageously invites us all into the performers’ own vulnerable personal worlds while deepening our understanding of our own.

Use Code ART730 at checkout for 20% off tickets!

The Georgetown Lombardi Arts & Humanities Program (AHP) promotes a holistic approach to healthcare for patients, caregivers, physicians, nurses, staff members, and students through the use of music, dance, expressive writing, and visual arts. These therapeutic modalities are normally provided throughout the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., and online through Eventbrite courses. The AHP is a program of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Please consider making a gift of any size to support the AHP so we may continue to grow and provide arts and humanities programming for our wonderful communities.