Ocala's Connection Between Art & Health

"Before I commit to a project, I need to know my "why" - it drives me. As long as I know that, I can handle any challenges that may arise.

We began working on Arts in Health Ocala Metro at the height of the Covid Pandemic. In a time when "hope" felt "hopeless", our Development Partners at the University of Florida sent me this video.

I will be forever grateful to Tina Mullen and Jill Sonke of UF Arts in Medicine for sharing with me the story of Moe and the Arts in Medicine Team."

"My passion for arts in health began in 2019 via an email invitation to attend a University of Florida Arts in Health seminar led by the amazing Jill Sonke on how to integrate veterans programming into a museum setting. I was then an art museum curator and the idea intrigued me as I knew Ocala and Marion County had a large veteran population. I went to the seminar and was hooked! Here was a way to directly serve the community in a hands-on manner through art, and I began implementing what I learned right away. I continued to absorb whatever I could about the link between the arts, health, and wellbeing which eventually led to conversations with Lisa Midgett and my current position as Executive Director of Arts in Health Ocala Metro (AIHOM). The data is indisputable; art has the power to heal, reduce pain, and make a profound difference in our lives. Your kind donation will help AIHOM fulfill its healing mission. Thank You!"

"I myself have experienced the power of healing through art. I enjoy painting when I feel stressed or down. I enjoy music, it moves me, and enhances my surroundings. I understand the power of dance,and the joy it brings people. My why is because I understand that art is healing, and a world with art is a better place. To see happiness on people's faces when they see art in a place of sadness, is the most rewarding thing I've experienced."

"Ocala is my hometown. My community allows me to live my dream of being a full time musician. With AIHOM I have the opportunity to give back to my community and directly improve the health and well being of people in it with my music. I can’t think of a higher honor.”

English:
"Why! I have always thought that life is art and art is life. Our senses and souls react through the color, the shapes, the textures and the rhythms. The human being excites me in the essence, the will, the power and the purpose. I am a teacher of plastic arts and a sculptor artist. At AIHOM I agree with the mission of making a contribution to my community through art. We seek to transform and evolve our lives in beautiful art.

Spanish:
Por que? Siempre he pensado que la vida es arte y el arte es vida. Nuestros sentidos y alma reaccionan a través del color, las formas, las texturas y los ritmos. El ser humano me apasiona en la esencia, la voluntad, el poder y el propósito. Soy maestra de artes plásticas y artista escultora. En AIHOM estoy de acuerdo con la misión de hacer un aporte a mi comunidad a través del arte. Buscamos transformar y evolucionar nuestras vidas en bellas artes."

"I have worked in the world of art throughout my entire career and have witnessed the impact art has made on many people’s lives. Art is powerful and has the ability to bring joy and happiness as well as healing and peace in stressful times. I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that desires to spread the beautiful gift of art to our amazing community."

"My name is Michelle Ingrham. I’m a singer songwriter who performs locally in Ocala and the surrounding areas. As a member of this community, and a recipient of the outpouring of its love and support, I want to return that love through music, as a way to uplift and create a little hope. It is my heart’s desire to bring out a smile, and maybe a little dance, in someone who needs it. I believe creating a positive experience, by sharing the gift of art and music, can promote healing and a better outlook."