UCalgary students champion art and STEM to reduce stigma surrounding mental health

Calgary, AB – University of Calgary students are teaming up to bridge the gap between art and science while reducing mental health stigma. STEM* student Allesha Eman, along with fellow STEM students and executive members of the STEM Art Hub, Shyla Bharadia, Tarannum Rahnuma and Preet Sahota, have teamed up with the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, the CORE and Inglewood Art Supplies to launch the Art of Mindfulness Project. Through this partnership, Eman, Bharadia Rahnuma and Sahota are championing an empathetic understanding of mental health through the lens of art.

The Art of Mindfulness is a mediator between the STEM community and the public to highlight the importance of mental health research and education. Arts and sciences often operate in silos, but art is a universal language for communicating about mental health. We are supporting mental health research and advocacy while using art to tell stories about mental health struggles, mindfulness and resilience.

-Allesha Eman, third year Bachelor of Health Sciences student, UCalgary and co-lead, Art of Mindfulness Project

Despite language barriers, art promotes global connection and provides insight into human perspective and behaviour. Artistic talent is found all over the world, including in the UCalgary community, and Eman, Bharadia Rahnuma and Sahota, understand the need to bridge art and STEM. Their goal is to create opportunities for STEM students to engage in creative processes that they may not have had the chance to otherwise. Through the Art of Mindfulness, they are providing UCalgary artists with the opportunity to create art pieces that share their unique perspectives, journeys and emotions surrounding mental health.

The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education is dedicated to advancing research and education on early identification, treatment and prevention of mental illness. We believe that art can play a critical role in learning about and reducing stigma about mental health.

-Paul Arnold, MD, PhD, FRCPC, director, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education

Over a three month period, approximately 29 pieces of art have been created by students and faculty in a variety of mediums, techniques and styles. The artwork will be showcased at the following Art of Mindfulness events:

• The CORE pop-up gallery on October 20^th, 2021 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the glass bridge located on level 2 next to guest services.
• A virtual reception and gallery on October 28^th at 5 p.m. featuring keynote speaker Dr. Brad Necyk, Ph.D. MFA.
• An exhibition at UCalgary’s Little Gallery from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on October 25^th – 29^th and November 1^st – 5^th. Attendance is limited to UCalgary students, faculty and staff only.

The artwork is for sale with all proceeds from sales and donations going to the Mathison Centre. The project is sponsored by the CORE and Inglewood Art Supplies. Donations for the Art of Mindfulness are now being accepted. Anyone interested in purchasing an exhibition piece can buy them from the Art of Mindfulness online shop starting October 24^th to the end of November.

*Science, technology, engineering and math