Fourteen student artists from Texas Woman’s arts program will launch an inaugural group exhibit featuring works that explore the intersection of art and nursing, with a focus on health care issues faced by the elderly.

The exhibit, “Vital Signs: Art, Health, and Aging,” opens May 9 and runs through May 31 at the Janette Kennedy Gallery in Dallas (Southside on Lamar, 1409 Botham Jean Blvd #105, Dallas, TX 75215). The exhibition is a collaborative project involving Dr. Aaron Loeb, assistant clinical professor at TWU’s Houston campus and Giovanni Valderas, a drawing and painting professor at TWU’s Denton campus.

The project will feature artwork created by TWU art students, each of whom will address an illness commonly affecting the aging population — such as heart disease, diabetes, or COPD —through their artwork. In collaboration with nursing students, the students will explore creative ways to visually chart the human experience, not only to represent the illness but also to convey hope.

“Through abstract artwork, the aim is to examine how the integration of artistic practices with nursing can help inform best practices for both fields,” Valderas said. “This exhibit will also highlight the value of an innovative learning environment where liberal arts and health sciences programs work together to deepen students' understanding of the intersections between art and science. Moreover, it aims to raise awareness within the broader community about the aging population, the illnesses they endure, and how we can promote a greater social responsibility through education.”

Exhibition Dates: May 9 – May 31, 2025

Reception: Sunday, May 31, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: The Janette Kennedy Gallery, 1409 Botham Jean Blvd #105, Dallas, 75215

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday