The HSHSL’s historical collections librarian and archivist appreciates the transformative power of art and its ability to spark change, says the arts “are for everyone, so they need to be accessible.”
As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Council for the Arts & Culture is featuring Q&As with its members on The Elm. This week, we shine the spotlight on Tara Wink:
What is your name/school/job description at UMB?
Tara Wink, Historical Collections Librarian and Archivist, Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL)
Why did you join the Council for the Arts & Culture?
I joined the arts council when M.J. Tooey, former dean of the HSHSL, retired as the library representative. As the historical collections librarian and archivist, my work in the HSHSL closely aligns with the mission of the arts council.
What’s your favorite type of art or artistic medium?
Music. I appreciate all types of art, but for me, music has a truly transformative power.
What do you hope people take away from their experiences with the arts?
The arts should offer people the opportunity to experience something new — a new feeling, a new place, a new perspective. The arts are transformative and allow expression in ways that can inspire change. Most importantly, the arts are for everyone, so they need to be accessible and showcase a variety of voices.
What is a piece of advice you would give to someone looking to get more involved in the arts?
The arts are for everyone. Don’t be intimidated by the word “art” or feel like you must be an “artist” to be included. I am not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, but I have a spot at the table through the arts council and in my job through exhibit work in the HSHSL. Art is about vulnerability, — vulnerability in trying something new and outside of your comfort zone, and vulnerability in admitting when you don’t understand something but being willing to ask questions and listen to other’s voices and perspectives.