New exhibition gives discarded art a second look
Local artists have joined with Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM) students, faculty, and staff to present their visions of creativity with discarded art by altering existing pieces to tell new stories.
- What: VTCSOM Fall Art Exhibition
- Topic: “Altered Art: Making Art Your Own”
- When: Opening reception 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
- Where: Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke
- Contact: The exhibition is up until Friday, Dec. 13. If you are not able to make it to the opening reception, but would like to visit the exhibit, contact Courtney Powell to make arrangements.
Altered art is a form of mixed media that involves taking existing art and transforming it into something new through alternation, manipulation, or decoration. Its purpose is to create something new and unique as well as to give new life to old or forgotten art.
“The art may be a print or original, on canvas, paper, wood, or other material, framed or not. The bottom line is it is no longer wanted for its original use, and the altering is seen as an asset, not destruction,” said Diane Relf, local artist and curator of the show. The "Altered Art" show has been on display at several galleries throughout Southwest Virginia.
“In addition to reflecting cultural attitudes and beliefs, altered art very often offers a new insight to the viewer, or at least a laugh,” she said.
Relf followed her first love of gardening as a profession. As a faculty member in Virginia Tech’s Department of Horticulture, Relf served as a Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist and developed the Master Gardener program in Virginia. She pursued horticulture as a therapeutic tool long before it was popularized and co-founded the American Horticultural Therapy Association.
“Human beings are, by nature, creators,” Relf said. “Research shows that participating in arts and gardening activities can build self-esteem, thus contributing to mental health and a sense of well-being.”
In 2022, Relf curated a show at the medical school featuring reused and recycled art.
“We are thrilled to bring Diane back to VTCSOM to curate another art show,” said Courtney Powell, the school's director of community engagement. “This show gives the accomplished artist as well as the novice creator a chance to reach out to create art. In addition to the art from the 'Altered Art' collection, works by faculty, staff, and medical students will be on display.”
The exhibit is sponsored by the school’s Creativity and Health Education program, which allows faculty and students to embrace the arts and understand the role that art can play in both education and the practice of medicine.
If you plan to attend this event and are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Courtney Powell during regular business hours.
