TAMIU Annual Report 2020

Frontline appreciation for local nurses took on a truly tangible and visual dimension this Fall as TAMIUCollege of Arts and Sciences’ visual art students completed a series of paintings, screen prints and ceramics they donated to local nurses. Dubbed the “Be Well Project,” it was led collaboratively by Jesse Shaw, Josias Figueirido and Emily Bayless , assistant professors of Art, and supported by the University’s Act on Ideas initiative. A unique component of the “Be Well Project” was a poster initia- tive by printmaking students who compiled masked “selfie” photos submitted by students across the University. The photos were fused into a grid with the “BeWell” message printed on each poster. ART STUDENTS’ ’BE WELL PROJECT’ DONATES ART TO HOSPITAL NURSES Dr. James Moyer , associate professor of Music and Department of Fine and Performing Arts chair, helped initiate the project. “I know first-hand the hours nurses put in during normal times… and are now working 12 to 15-hour shifts, risking themselves as they battle the Coronavirus. It seemed tome that we here at TAMIU could present an act of appreciation using the art students’ skills. I talked with the faculty, and we began right away on the ’Be Well Project,’ ” explained Dr. Moyer. The artworkwas delivered in special outdoors and socially distanced andmasked events at bothDoctorsHospital and LaredoMedical Center. Members of the Doctors Hospital administrative teamwelcomed the donationsinaspecialoutdoors,socially distanced andmasked event Friday, Oct. 2. The artwork was delivered by Dr. James Moyer and Jesse Shaw. 32