Artistry thrives at the Faculty of Dentistry

By Nina Ambros

If you are new to the Faculty of Dentistry, you might be surprised to find an extensive art display on the same floor as the world-leading research hub.

The annual Faculty of Dentistry Art Show, held in the Nusbaum Family Collaboration Space, was attended by over 100 people. Organized by the Art Committee, it was a great success with over 40 individual submissions this year, and many pieces sold. A lucky winner received an AGO membership through the raffle. Proceeds of the art show went back to the artists who submitted pieces and as well as back to the Art Committee. The art presented remains on display until December 16, 2022.

The art show was open to everyone. “It’s all about bringing everyone together.” says Dr. Morris Manolson, Interim Vice Dean, Research, who has been the Chair of the Art Committee since 2019. The Art Committee is a group of ten, made up of representatives from Faculty, Staff and Students. They meet regularly throughout the year to organize the event.

Artistry at play

The tradition of the annual art show started in the early 2000s when some artistic souls got together.

“Dentistry is a very creative profession, you have to know how to envision 3-dimensional objects in your mind and be able to recreate them in a patient’s mouth. You have to be both good with your hands, and artistic to do that well.” says Dr. Manolson.

This year, the Art Committee purchased special movable hangers to display the art show submissions. These hangers will now permanently stay on in Nusbaum Family Collaboration Space. Staff, students and faculty are now encouraged to hang up their art year-round.

It’s not surprising that artistry thrives at the Faculty of Dentistry.

Upcoming projects

In addition to planning the annual art show, the Art Committee is also tasked with the maintenance of precious art pieces in the building. Recently, they were responsible for restoring the historical Deans’ portraits that currently hang on the third floor. Their next project includes restoring the original Faculty of Dentistry mural in the lobby.

The famed mural in the lobby of 124 Edward St. It’s Cereceda’s vision of nature and man’s capacity to relieve suffering. It represents traditional Indigenous healing on the left and health sciences on the right. The Earth Mother stands in the middle bringing the two worlds with humanity on her shoulder, forever connected.

Photos by Jeff Comber