Features Overview

Fareeha Ahmad

Kyle Christenson

"Growing up I was always building stuff and working with my dad's tools in the garage. I still remember the first tool set I got, and used it for many small projects, and the eventual work I would do on my first car. Little did I know how much this would impact my decision in my career. The use of tools, technology, science, and art greatly motivated me to pursue dentistry where I could use some of the talents and things I enjoyed to, hopefully, bless the lives of others. I am very grateful for the time I have had thus far at The University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, and the development one undergoes as they pursue a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) enhancing their abilities with dental tools, scientific knowledge, and artistry to make a difference."

Sue Cleereman

“Horses and Chickens and Cows and Pigs," children's book illustrations. Written in 1979 and illustrated in 2021.

“I wrote the story in about 1979 as a young mother. The beginning is true, we were driving early in the morning along an often used road. My daughter asked me, “Where are the horses?” The story came from my answer, “Asleep, in bed.”

"Packard Hood Ornament" (1988) “ This is a small, 2”, gold take off from a Packard hood ornament that I made for my husband. I used my leftover gold from dental school, his old rings, and my old rings.”

Andy Dill

Kirk Donaldson

“There is a story woven through my life. It’s about connection. As a dentist, the values of respect, dignity, thankfulness and beauty guided me in how I served my patients. Those same qualities are how I feel connected to humanity, the land, waters and the air. I am in love with seeing and absorbing with my senses. Life pours over me.”

Diana Hass

Meng-Jia (Justin) Lian

"These random thoughts sometimes pop into my mind: "What if I could eat sake snails with a Barber Broach? Then I wouldn’t have to suck them out." Or, "If only I had a Minnesota retractor paired with a scalpel or a periosteal elevator—surely, they’d be more efficient than a knife and fork when eating roast chicken or steak." This curiosity sparked my exploration of the boundaries between surgical tools and dining utensils."

Shreya Kothari

“The vibrant art installations on the trucks in the Indian subcontinent are canvassed in motifs and memorabilia, sharply contrasting the grey and dusty roads they travel.  The truck drivers personalize their vehicles in an attempt to recreate home in contrast to the monotony and isolation of freight truck driving.”

James Lee

Dr. Lee has “always had an interest in art” and his oil paintings are on display in his private dental practice in Ann Arbor as well as here. His art may look familiar to viewers if you’ve visited the Dean’s Office as his portrait of the first known African-American female dentist, Dr. Ida Gray (DDS 1890), can be seen on display in the reception area. Dr. Lee is also a 2012 recipient of the Ida Gray Award, an honor bestowed on those displaying exemplary dedication to the University of Michigan’s diversity values.

Robert F. Majewski

Mark Migdal

August Pearson

"Moth Watercolor Series"

Sharon Ritola

"Painting and poetry are among my most favored creative outlets. Though I've dabbled in acrylic and other media, watercolor will always be my first love. I adore landscapes, tending toward bold vibrancy when capturing scenes. Endlessly fascinated by the interplay of light and shadow, distance and foreground, and value/color, I try to infuse each work with the same childlike, magical wonder I often feel in nature. I prefer not to explain my paintings, letting the art speak for itself."

Mary Springsteen Garrelts

"This piece is a reflection on my 34 years at the School of Dentistry, and my gratitude for all the people here who have helped me to learn and grow over those years. The many faculty who always answered my dentistry questions, and the students, staff, and faculty who have encouraged me to keep pushing myself in my artistic endeavors have been amazing fringe benefits."