Research has found value in the use of the arts in medicine, and the arts can reflect and connect to experiences related to the medicine and health. How do artists represent the connections between art and medicine, healing, medical equity, therapy, history, and more? How do artists use art as a form of medicine? This exhibit is an opportunity to explore these two fields and how they work together.

In connection with the Missouri Southern State University Artful Medicine: Bridging Medicine and the Humanities Symposium, we are looking for visual art that illustrates the connections between medicine and the arts to display during our national symposium October 19-21, 2023.  

During the symposium, speakers will present ideas on medical education, health equity, art and design innovation, the art of diagnosis, art therapy, and art and medicine from a historical perspective. We are seeking artistic expressions that complement and/or demonstrate these themes. Artists working within all visual media are welcome to apply, to include (but not limited to): printmaking, illustration, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, painting, and photography. 

Each work of art will be submitted digitally through CAFE. The committee will jury works for entry. The exhibit will be in the Four-States Gallery at the Cornell Complex in downtown Joplin for the three days of the symposium. Symposium events will be held at the Cornell Complex on the evening of October 19 for all participants of the event to view the work. 

Application Requirements

2-D Work must either be framed or on gallery-wrapped canvas and be hang-ready with a wire or D-ring hanging system. No sawtooth hangers will be accepted. All 3-D work must be display ready. Hanging works are limited to a maximum size of 18”x24”. 

We reserve the right to omit any works that do not meet gallery requirements once they arrive. If accepted, artists will be required to deliver or ship the work at their own expense (including return shipping).

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY: Artists living and working in the Four-States region (Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma) may submit up to 3 artworks to be considered for this exhibition.