Scalpel to Sketch

Monday, October 23, 2006

From December 7, 2006, through February 18, 2007, the Rochester Art Center collaborates with Mayo Clinic to present Scalpel to Sketch: The science and beauty of medical illustration at Mayo Clinic featuring works from Mayo Clinic's world class collection of medical illustration (one of largest in the world and never before exhibited to the public), Scalpel to Sketch examines the vital role that medical artists and their illustrations occupy in advancing the study and practice of medicine. The aesthetic decisions of medical artists — those of media, composition and content — are fundamental to the success of medical illustration and lead to the unique beauty that results from these collaborative works.

On display will be medical art rendered in various media such as carbon dust, pen & ink, water color, airbrush and digital media. You'll see everything from interpretations of the human form, animated voyages inside the human body, and studies of the brain to molecules and gene clusters, skeletons, and a rare look at the unique anatomy of conjoined twins.

This exhibition recognizes the centennial celebration of medical illustration at Mayo Clinic, which, in 1907, was one of the first medical facilities in the country to employ professional medical artists. Scalpel to Sketch will present historic and contemporary works in a wide range of media and will highlight the influence of medical artists throughout Mayo Clinic's existence. The exhibition will include a timeline of medical illustration, from the 16th century to the present, and will explore the many methods that medical artists use today, from direct observation in the operating room and studying substances under the microscope to the dissection and study of cadaveric specimens in the laboratory.

The intricacy of the human body has fascinated artists for centuries. Continuing the tradition established by Leonardo da Vinci and other pioneers, Mayo's medical illustrators create accurate works to advance medical science by clarifying and illuminating complex topics related to human health. Medical illustrations are used by physicians to share their techniques, researchers to find answers, medical students to learn and patients to understand. Ultimately, this art form helps patients make difficult medical decisions. The Rochester Art Center is proud to collaborate with the Medical Illustration and Animation Unit at Mayo Clinic to bring this exhibition to the public.

"Medical illustration is an extraordinary facet of Mayo Clinic. We are excited to share our unique collection and enlighten the public about this important, yet little-known profession. I am awed by the talents of these artists whose intricate work advances the understanding and practice of medicine through the collaboration between artists and scientists," says David Herman, M.D., Mayo Clinic.

The areas of the exhibition will include:

Beneath the Skin
This area will include a timeline of medical illustration from inception to present, featuring classic and rare anatomical works.

Drawing on a Great Tradition: Medical Illustration at Mayo Clinic
Medical illustration at Mayo Clinic was founded on the institution's core values. The Mayo Brothers' innovations in solving patients' problems led them to establish the specialty of medical illustration at the Clinic. This area will feature the illustrators and their pioneering work which has unassumingly affected thousands of people's lives, at Mayo and beyond.

The Artist and the Studio
How is medical illustration similar to and yet different from other types of art? Visitors will learn about the training and education of medical artists, the tools they use and the wide range of their techniques including special methodology to address key issues of medical science. How does technology impact this profession? Why should young people consider pursuing this career? What does the future hold?

The Artist-Physician Partnership
Teamwork is the hallmark of Mayo Clinic. Medical illustrators work closely with physicians to conceive, refine and assure accuracy of their work. Through their art, medical illustrators help clarify and express key concepts that result in patient care of the highest quality.

A Fine Art of Deletion
Medical illustrators not only document a subject in astounding detail, they also interpret each subject — bringing a creative vantage point that no other approach can offer. Such perspectives enable Mayo to teach intricate clinical and surgical techniques to other physicians, surgeons and medical students.

Illustrating from the OR
One of the unique aspects of medical illustration is the fact that artists often work from direct observation — for instance, taking their craft directly to the operating room. By drawing from direct observation, medical illustrators bring unmatched authenticity to their work. This area of the exhibition will span from the artists' early days in the surgical galley to working with the patient care teams of today.

The Needs of the Patient Come First
Medical illustrators at Mayo Clinic express their knowledge and skill in a wide range of media — all of which have the ultimate goal of meeting the needs of patients. This area will highlight how Mayo uses medical art and animation to inform, educate and inspire. It also showcases where the work is published and used, including patient education training tools, scientific periodicals, medical presentations, books and publications for the general public, TV programming, video productions, and Web-based work.

The Rochester Art Center is located at 40 Civic Center Dr. SE in Rochester Minnesota. Art Center hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for the general public, $2 for seniors, and FREE for Rochester Art Center members, students and on Thursday. Public parking is available in off-street lots and the Civic Center Ramp (free for the first hour and after 5 p.m.) The Rochester Art Center is wheel chair accessible. For more information call 507.282.8629 or visit www.rochesterartcenter.org
###

###

To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. MayoClinic.com is available as a resource for your health stories.