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Employee Art Show Accepting Submissions

Duke-affiliated artists can showcase their work around campus and win awards

Beth Doyle, head of the Conservation Services Department for Duke Libraries and the Leona B. Carpenter senior conservator, won third place last year for her photograph,
Beth Doyle, head of the Conservation Services Department for Duke Libraries and the Leona B. Carpenter senior conservator, won third place last year for her photograph, "Reflections." Photo courtesy of Arts & Health at Duke
By April Dudash

After Beth Doyle entered her black-and-white Michigan lake photograph, "Reflections," last year in Duke's Annual Employee Art Show, she was thrilled when she won third place.

Doyle, head of the Conservation Services Department for Duke Libraries and the Leona B. Carpenter senior conservator, has participated in the employee exhibit for three years. Some of her award-winning entries are now framed on her office wall in the Conservation Lab.

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Arts & Health at Duke, which brings literary, performing and visual arts to patients and hospital employees, is kicking off its 36th Duke Employee Art Show this summer by asking for submissions. The exhibit is open to all Duke University and Duke University Health System employees and their immediate family members, retirees, and volunteers. The artwork will be on display at Duke Hospital, Duke Eye Center and Perkins Library from Aug. 29 to Sept. 30.

"To bring art into the lives of people in the Hospital is an amazing thing, and to have an opportunity as a member of the Duke community to participate in that is an extraordinary privilege," Doyle said.

Registration is open to all skill levels and ages, and registration forms will be accepted until July 30 or until Arts & Health at Duke has received 170 entries.

Cash awards ranging from $25 to $300 will be presented to winners in amateur, intermediate and professional adult and youth/teen categories on Sept. 3 at a reception in the Hospital Courtyard.

Sharon Swanson, program coordinator for Arts & Health at Duke, said Arts & Health at Duke receives a variety of artwork for the exhibit, from paintings to quilts. Last year, she took calls from Duke staff members hoping to purchase the artwork of other employees.

"Everyone is born an artist," Swanson said. "This is their opportunity to shine, and I think that art can provide such tremendous comfort for everyone, not just for patients, but for staff as well."

Doyle is still contemplating what photograph she wants to submit this summer. Her previous photos featured a crumbling state penitentiary in Philadelphia and N.C. State's arboretum. She said she carries around a camera at all times.

"It's a part of me, to always be looking for a great image," she said.