Members of Medstar Georgetown University Hospital community have the opportunity to participate in fun, stress-busting activities on the Lombardi Podium. Starting in June, artists from the Arts and Humanities program began offering lunch-hour stretch breaks and other arts programs in collaboration with MGUH Wellness Committee. 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, AHP artists, writers, musicians and dancers offer opportunities to make visual art, participate in writing activities, listen to music, and take 5-minute stretch breaks.

Karen Pica, MGUH Director of Physician Relations & Professional Staff, who also chairs the Wellness Committee, reached out to AHP Director, Julia Langley, hoping to bring stretch breaks back to the hospital.

"I was thrilled when Karen reached out," said Langley. "The artists and I have missed interacting with the wonderful MGUH staff."

Pica said a lot of people stopped her and asked when stretch breaks were returning to the hospital. She and Langley soon agreed to bring back AHP artists for two two-hour sessions per week.

"People have liked it," Pica said. "Nurses are talking. They text each other, 'hey, the stretch break lady is here on Thursday.'"

Pica said she also hears positive feedback about the music, expressive writing and visual art classes.

"People are tired and stressed," Pica said. The stretch breaks are especially helpful for those who are on their feet all day. She and Langley hoped the art activities would offer an escape, providing better break than eating lunch alone or in a small group.

"I think it's team building as well," Pica said. During the classes people get to know their colleagues better and connect with people you don't normally interact with.

We are pleased to announce that the Spring 2022 edition of Lombardi Voices is now available. Each year, the Arts and Humanities program publishes a collection of poems by participants in our expressive writing program. Lombardi Voices is made possible with the support of the Kathleen A. Beard Endowment for the Arts and Humanities.

AHP artist-in-residence, Carrie Monger assisted with editing the collection. A dancer and movement artist by training, Monger often supports and collaborates with AHP’s writing and visual arts instructors who teach online classes. Monger has a keen interest in crossing the disciplines of movement with the visual arts and expressive writing, she said. “Movement and writing feel naturally connected to me.”
 
For this year’s Lombardi Voices, Monger submitted the poem, “Free.” (An excerpt of her poem appears below.)

She began writing her poem, "Free" while assisting in Michelle Berberet’s Expressive Writing class. At the start of each class, Berberet often uses poems as prompts. Monger said "Free" was inspired by the poem, "the ghosts of women once girls."
 
“I remember writing poems when I was in elementary school,” Monger said. “It was a way for me to get my feelings out.” Throughout her life, writing has remained an important part of Monger’s creative practice. It has provided a continual source of meaning and contributed to her well-being, she said.

“To be able to be part of this group that witnesses and holds a space for other participants... I just feel so honored.”

For more information and to submit poetry for future editions, please email Arts and Humanities director, Julia Langley at julia.langley@georgetown.edu.