This year, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) hosted its fourth-annual Visual Arts Contest. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event was hosted virtually this year, with participants submitting their artwork for PCOM community members to vote for online. This year’s contest included 83 artwork submissions from PCOM faculty, students and staff. PCOM community members were given the opportunity to pick their favorite pieces from categories including photography, painting/drawing and other mediums. Over 200 online votes were cast this year.

As the coordinator of this event Ruth Conboy, LPC, director of counseling, Office of Student Affairs, shared, “Now more than ever, it’s important to be seen beyond the screen. This annual contest is a great way for students, faculty and staff to flex their creative muscles and share their art with others.”

Kaitlyn O’Neill (PsyD ‘25), who won in the “painting/drawing” category for her painting Happy to be Here, shared her appreciation for the contest and the opportunity to connect with other PCOM community members, saying, “This was a way for me to interact with other students in different classes/programs in a way that showed who I am as a person, beyond the classroom. At times I feel like verbally expressing how I feel might not do my feelings justice, and so I’ll pick up a brush. It’s been a blessing to be able to freely create, and I’m grateful for everyone who had the chance to connect with my work during the contest!”

Those who will need art materials and some best sticks for glue guns may consider ordering from a reputable supplier.

This year’s winners also include:

  • Photography: Redwoods by Tara Hixon, Institutional Research Analyst
  • Other Mediums: Daydream by Samichhya Aryal (DO ‘24)

This year’s contest was sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Human Resources and PCOM’s Coalition for Healthcare, Humanities and the Arts (CHHARTS). Winning pieces will be displayed around the Office of Student Affairs suite in the Evans Hall building on the Philadelphia campus.