UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine

UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine AIM harnesses the transformative power of the arts for health and well-being. Find us in most UF Health clinical spaces and the community.
🎨🎶🩰📝

The backbone of AIM's mission is a group of arts in medicine practitioners (visual artists, dancers, writers, musicians, and contemplative artists) who serve as mentors for a large number of trained volunteers. In recent years, the quality and commitment of our artists has accelerated program growth and secured full integration of the program into the healthcare setting. Additionally, AIM is committed to using the arts to transform the medical environment from a sterile, depersonalized setting to one of color and inspiration by displaying artwork on both permanent and rotating bases. Our Story

UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine (AIM) was founded in 1990 at Shands Hospital (now UF Health) at the University of Florida. AIM is a multidisciplinary organization with programs in the visual, literary, and performing arts. AIM serves inpatients of all ages, their loved ones, visitors, healthcare providers, and the Gainesville and statewide communities. The program is focused on transforming health through the arts and providing leadership for hospital and community arts programs throughout the nation. Our program facilitates arts activities, workshops and performances in three hospitals and numerous out-patient clinics, and is known internationally as one of the leaders in the field of arts in health. Social Media
This account is monitored during our regular business hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 9am-5pm, and Wednesdays 12-5pm

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/shandsaim/
Check out our videos on YouTube youtube.com/ArtsinMedicine

Robert "Bob" Shappy didn't consider art-making when he was admitted for complications relating to his heart.While Bob aw...
03/20/2026

Robert "Bob" Shappy didn't consider art-making when he was admitted for complications relating to his heart.

While Bob awaited a transplant, he opened his mind to the idea of establishing an arts practice in his hospital room, with guidance and support from arts in medicine practitioner Sunita Shepherd and AIM volunteer Julia "Jules" Bush.

"I never gave arts and crafts a thought until you guys came, and I said, 'Why not? I'll try it because I'm just sitting here doing nothing.' This gives me something to do," said Mr. Shappy of his newfound interest in art-making.

Now that Mr. Shappy has received a new heart, he has decided to continue his exploration of visual arts when he leaves the hospital and embarks on life post-transplant.

"I actually really like it. I'm planning to continue making art when I go home. It helped me a lot through my journey here and it's a great way to pass the time. And I get to make my grandkids, Oscar & Evelyn, happy when they receive the art I made for them."

Cell phones, tablets, and laptops are useful tools that help us maintain efficiency in places like work or school. 💻But ...
03/19/2026

Cell phones, tablets, and laptops are useful tools that help us maintain efficiency in places like work or school. 💻

But what might happen if we no longer had access to these portable computers, even just for a little while? How might our mental and physical health improve? 🤔

“Analog hobbies” challenge us to put down the screens and pick up creative activities, at least for a time, in favor of being present.

03/13/2026

⏰ Reminder: Creativity as Prevention Webinar is next week!

Don’t miss the next session in our Arts in Health Webinar Series, Creativity as Prevention: The Role of the Arts in Public Health. 🎨

On March 18 at 2:00 PM EST, join us for an engaging conversation exploring how arts and cultural engagement can support public health efforts and strengthen the conditions that allow communities to thrive.

Panelists, Shera Curtis and Sarah Hinds of UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine, and Tessa Brinza of Arts at Michigan, will share real-world models and practical insights for integrating arts into public health practice.

📆 Wednesday, March 18
⏰ 2:00 PM Eastern Time
🔗 Register: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YkS4pcgQTU2JLs45kync9Q #/registration

UF College of the Arts

03/10/2026

Class Updates:
Dance for Life is canceled on Wednesday, March 11th and Thursday, March 12th

03/10/2026

The Criser Cancer Resource Center will be closed tomorrow, March 11th, to allow the Arts in Medicine team to gather for our annual Visioning Retreat. Arts in Medicine services will be paused.

We work with most creative and talented nurses! (Perhaps we’re a bit biased 😉) 🎨👏Congratulations to this year’s UF Healt...
03/06/2026

We work with most creative and talented nurses! (Perhaps we’re a bit biased 😉) 🎨👏

Congratulations to this year’s UF Health Nurses Week Art Contest winners, Unit 5W!

Read Unit 5W’s art statement to learn more about their design:
“This artwork represents true north as the steady compass that guides us through the ever changing landscape of nursing. The mountains symbolize challenges, the flowing waterfall reflects compassion and continuous care, and the rooted trees represent growth and resilience. No matter how chaotic the sky may feel, our shared purpose and commitment to healing keep us aligned on the nursing path.“

The layering of contrasting colors and bold symbolism in Unit 5W’s design stood out to the Arts in Medicine team, and we were particularly moved by 5W’s art statement.

Thank you again to all who teamed up to get creative this year! 🎨

03/06/2026

Take a look at the Winners for 2025.

The Alachua County Library District regularly shares arts activities open to the public here in Alachua County!Follow th...
02/26/2026

The Alachua County Library District regularly shares arts activities open to the public here in Alachua County!
Follow their page for more opportunities to get creative in community 🎨

Join us for a Pottery Class with Big G Pottery on Friday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at the Micanopy Branch.

Chris from Big G Pottery is back with a hands-on class. Register to save your seat.
https://tr.ee/xJCATN

02/25/2026

Class Update: Encore Dancers Workshop is canceled tomorrow, 2/26

02/23/2026

Class Update: Dance for Joy is cancelled on Tuesday, 2/24

Address

1515 SW Archer Road
Gainesville, FL
32608

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 12pm - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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Our Story

UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine (AIM) was founded in 1990 at Shands Hospital (now UF Health Shands) at the University of Florida. AIM is a multidisciplinary organization, with programs in the visual, literary and performing arts. AIM serves inpatients and outpatients of all ages, their families, visitors, health care providers, and the Gainesville and statewide communities. The program is focused on transforming health through the arts and providing leadership for hospital arts programs throughout the nation.

Our program facilitates arts activities, workshops and performances in three hospitals and numerous out-patient clinics, and is known internationally as one of the leaders in the field of arts in healthcare.

The backbone of AIM's mission is a group of Artists in Residence (visual artists, dancers, writers, dramatists, musicians, and contemplative artists) who serve as mentors for a large number of trained volunteers. AIM volunteers are community artists, university students and hospital staff. In recent years, the quality and commitment of our artists has accelerated program growth and secured full integration of the program into the healthcare setting.

AIM is committed to using the arts to transform the medical environment from a sterile, depersonalized setting to one of color and inspiration by displaying artwork on both permanent and rotating bases.