In the Loop
Faculty News : Feb 9, 2017

CAM Faculty Spotlight: Dylan Klempner

Dylan Klempner is on faculty with the UF Center for Arts in Medicine, teaching Arts & Compassion, and is an Artist in Residence with UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine. He is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and journalist and uses a variety of media in his work with patients, caregivers, and staff. In 2011, when Dylan became an Artist in Residence with UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine, he rolled out The Mobile Inspiration Station, a cart filled with art supplies–paint, small canvases, journals, pens, pencils, drawing paper, puzzles and games. He wheels these materials through the hospital, room-to-room, encouraging patients and their caregivers to take part in an activity. Dylan also offers writing workshops at UF Health using the method taught by Amherst Writer’s and Artists.

Dylan is an adjunct lecturer with the University of Florida's Center for Arts in Medicine. In Fall 2016, he served as scholar in residence in the UF Biology Department to teach a pilot course called Creative Scientific Communication. This course explores what happens when students, faculty, and professionals from science, journalism, and the arts come together with the goal of more effectively communicating science to broad audiences. With support from UF's Creative Campus Initiative, professional writers, artists, and designers lead interactive workshops for students. Lessons in storytelling, visual composition, and design empower students to develop new skills in media technology, including web design, photography, video, and audio production. The goal is to expand the creative toolbox available to today's scientists. You can read more about this course at ufcreativesci.com.

In addition to his work with UF Health and the University of Florida, Dylan writes for publications about the importance of art and creativity in everyday life. He has an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard College, a BS in Entrepreneurial Studies from Babson College, and an MFA in creative nonfiction at Goucher College.