We have all been through a lot this year. For many, the time was marked by loss. For everyone, the period has been marked by extraordinary change and uncertainty. How did we cope? How did we adapt? And what comes next? As the semester comes to a close, join us for an open conversation examining the impact on our mental health and the art we’ve created to try to make sense of our new reality. We’ll talk about how the pandemic has spurred a new mental health crisis and how it’s impacting people with existing mental health issues. We’ll examine strategies for coping through extreme change. We’ll look at artwork created during the pandemic. And, we’ll talk about what is in store for us as the world opens back up. The event will be open and interactive. We have an exciting group of panelists and we also want to hear from you.

Do you have art work you’d like to share during the discussion? It could be a video, photo, painting, drawing, mosaic, poem, song, or anything else you’ve created this year. Send it to: jslevine@ua.edu and indicate whether you’d like your name shared if we present your work. 

Panelists:

Dr. Sha-Rhonda M. Green is an assistant Professor at UA and a licensed mental health therapist with over 20 years of practice experience. Her areas of interest are mental health and wellness, isolation, and self-care.

Dr. Avani Shah is an expert in issues of mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy, and aging. She is an associate professor at the University of Alabama’s School of Social Work.

Jeremy Levine is an Emmy award-winning film maker, CARI fellow, and an Assistant Professor of Media Production at the University of Alabama. His films explore race, class, and seek to unearth buried trauma.

Luvada A. Harrison is an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre/Voice and a CARI fellow. Her research interests include vocal health, neuroscience and interdisciplinary collaborations with historians, creative writers, composers and dancers.

Registration: Please register for this event using this registration form.