Summer 2021 Buchanan Library Fellowships:
The Art of Healing
The Buchanan Library Fellowship program is designed to create in-depth, immersive learning experiences for Vanderbilt University undergraduate students who are interested in participating in strategic projects for Vanderbilt Libraries over the course of a semester.
The Art of Healing Exposition has selected two 2021 summer fellows, who will spend the summer exploring the Vanderbilt Jean & Alexander Heard Library archival collections to identify all types of creativity which fits under the broad parameters of 'arts' and 'healing'. Working with faculty, professional librarians, and gallery curators the fellow will use their research findings to design a display or curate an art show which will then be showcased during the Fall 2021 semester as part of the overall exposition.
Shreya Gupta is a rising sophomore at the College of Arts and Science studying Medicine, Health, and Society with a concentration in Health Policies and Economies. In addition to her MHS major, she plans to minor in political science, focusing on American Politics. Shreya is interested in the overlap between medicine and politics. She hopes to one day be involved in the legislative process to make healthcare more accessible in America. In her free time, she enjoys reading, singing, and volunteering as an EMT for her town's first aid squad.
Learn more about Shreya's project, focused on 'Women's Mental Health through Art & History' here.
Lia Okenkova is a rising junior at Peabody College pursuing a double major in Cognitive Studies and Educational Studies with a concentration in Learning & Equity in Diverse Contexts. She is intensely curious and has a passion for anything creative. She hopes to use her background in theatrical and vocal performance as well as her passion for education to explore how the arts can be used to enhance learning.
Learn more about Lia's project, focused on 'Isolation for the Ages: Depictions of Leprosy' here and here.
Faces of Covid
Pen, Ink and Paint on Paper
Mariyam Shamshidova