Anatomy for Artists

Anatomy for Artists with Dr. Sari Hannila

Saturday, June 17, 1-5pm at the University of Manitoba Human Anatomy Lab

Note to participants: meet at Starbucks near Brodie Centre entrance, 727 McDermot Ave. Metered parking is available on the street and at HSC.

Made possible with the cooperation of the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science

This workshop offers a rare opportunity to draw genuine contemporary human specimens from the historical collection of the University of Manitoba Human Anatomy Lab. Dr. Sari Hannila will lead this in-depth investigation into the intricacies of the human body. Dr. Hannila will begin with a brief lecture outlining the human body donor program at the University of Manitoba, the history of anatomy, and its relationship to art. She will then lead participants to the lab itself where she will illustrate with specimens and share her experience with anatomical study. The first part of the workshop will focus on bones and the second part on the interior of the body (muscles and organs). There will be ample time for self-directed drawing.

Included in the laboratory are cadavers, preserved human specimens and medical models. The space is vast, so you can choose what to experience and what to draw. If you prefer to work exclusively with medical models (plastic and plaster) and/or bones, that is possible. Participants who want to move on to the study of muscles and organs will do so in an adjoining area. Please consider your own sensitivities, and know that you will be free to choose what to experience and when to take breaks.

Each participant must bring their own drawing or painting supplies and a hard-backed sketch book/tablet. Safety regulations require that participants cover their legs (pants or long skirt), wear closed-toe shoes and tie back long hair. Air quality is checked frequently due to the presence of chemical odours and falls well within safe levels; however, it is recommended that pregnant and breast-feeding women not participate. Note that photography is strictly forbidden. The Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science is profoundly respectful of the individuals who have donated their bodies to scientific study.

Dr. Sari Hannila completed her PhD in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Queen’s University and worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Marie Filbin at Hunter College in New York City. Her research focuses on the neurobiology of axonal regeneration in the central nervous system, with the goal of developing new treatments for spinal cord injury. She also studies the role of a protein called secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Hannila initiated the Neurocraft project with the Manitoba Craft Council.

Note to participants: meet at Starbucks near Brodie Centre entrance, 727 McDermot Ave. Metered parking is available on the street and at HSC.