Explore the Art Piece
“Rise Up is a COVID-19 art memorial and tribute. It is by the community, and for the community, near and far.
It is comprised of physical mementos donated by the public to commemorate their pandemic losses and journeys, clean healthcare waste, and empty vaccine vials.
Come explore the art piece in stunning detail, read the people’s stories associated with the donated mementos.
Rise Up
Purpose and Meaning. Art by the community for the community and a tribute to all those affected by COVID-19.
Meet Project Art Heals Utah
Inspiration
Project Art Heals Utah is a collaborative mosaic art project using empty COVID-19 vaccine vials, clean healthcare waste from University of Utah patient care areas, and physical and virtual mementos donated by those that have suffered loss due to COVID-19.
The main objective of the project is to create a means to collectively acknowledge and mourn the losses we have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to create a means to honor our shared resiliency.
Utah is the epicenter for the project, but it is all-inclusive for anyone feeling compelled to contribute.
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Participate
Share Your Comments
While physical and virtual memento collection is now closed, the website remains open to share your comments about the project and art piece.
There is no hierarchy of grief or experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you feel it, then it is real. We invite anyone with whom this resonates to share your thoughts on the Project Art Heals webpage.
About
“I wanted something to symbolize our path to healing…”
My Story
“December 22, 2020, I received my first COVID-19 vaccination”
As a health care worker on the front lines of the pandemic, it was a very positive and hopeful experience. That day, I asked for a vial so that I could use it to make a tree ornament or perhaps drill a hole in it and attach it to my work lanyard. I wanted something to symbolize our path to healing. I wanted to honor our patients, honor our staff, honor our community, and honor science…
Project Team
Project Principals, Student & Community Collaboration
Emily Hagn, MD. Project Lead. Department of Anesthesiology and Division of Pain Management, University of Utah
Heidi Calega. Artist. Project Creative Lead. BA ’96, University of Utah
Collaboration, Participation and Involvement will span students, faculty, staff & community…
story mementos
“Your Story” recent entries
- Dental Floss
I bought the cheap stuff the first time I went to the store during lockdown because that was all they had. I thought: “How long could it possibly last?” I never expected two years. - “Operation COVID-19 Anesthesia Dunkirk”
I am truly grateful for all that was accomplished by our department members during this very difficult and tumultuous time. “Operation COVID-19 Anesthesia Dunkirk,” the name we attached to our department’s response to the pandemic, called upon all department members to come to the rescue in their respective roles, making sacrifices as necessary to stem… Continue reading “Operation COVID-19 Anesthesia Dunkirk” - Holidays and Kids
Snowman: to represent missing our usual holiday gatherings with my elderly parents and extended family during the pandemic. that was a big deal. Bracelets: these were made by my 2 daughters and represent all the changes and hardships our kids endured during the pandemic. - In Memory of John Waldal
John Waldal, my brother-in-law, was an energetic and friendly 76-year-old when, in October of 2020, he and my sister Ruth became ill with Covid and were quickly admitted to their local ICU. John spent weeks on a ventilator followed by more weeks of rehab but fought valiantly. Eventually, he returned home, and he and Ruth… Continue reading In Memory of John Waldal - Sun, King Cake Baby, Shells
Sun: this item was a find at my son’s first soccer game post covid. After two years of holding him out of all activities, he was so excited for his return to “normalcy” and friends. Finding this memento (suns are something I have a soft spot for) was like a sign that life is looking… Continue reading Sun, King Cake Baby, Shells
Sustainability
Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund
The Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund (SCIF) is the University of Utah’s green grant program. Students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines are invited to propose projects that enhance the sustainability of our campus and community. SCIF encourages ideas that operate at the crossroads of academics and operations and work to facilitate collaborative efforts among diverse members of the campus community.
This project addresses these four areas of concern:
- Waste Diversion and Reduction
- Health and Wellness Sustainability
- Sustainability Literacy and Creating Awareness
- Justice/Equity
