Video: Lucinda Canty Celebrates UMass Nursing Students in Latest Painting
Commissioned painting will be displayed in the Skinner Hall lobby.
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At the heart of nursing lies both science and soul—a truth beautifully captured in the latest painting by Associate Professor Lucinda Canty. "Becoming: Future Nurses" proudly features the diverse faces of UMass Nursing students and was commissioned by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing (EMCON) for its 2025 holiday card. Dr. Canty, who also serves as the director of the Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program and as a nurse midwife, says she hopes every student can see themselves represented in the painting— and in the nursing profession.
Dr. Canty draws inspiration from her daily interactions with students, patients, and colleagues. Though nursing is traditionally viewed through a scientific lens, focusing on clinical skills, math, and evidence-based practice, Dr. Canty says nursing is also an artform that involves communication, compassion, and authentic presence.
"I realized through my nursing work, through my interactions with patients, later on with students, I realized that there's an art to the way that we communicate, the way we share ourselves, or we show up. And art has been the way that I could show up as my authentic self."
—Dr. Lucinda Canty, Associate Professor
Art has long been a mode of expression for Dr. Canty, who began painting in high school as a way to tell stories without words. Now, she incorporates art extensively into her teaching and research. For example, students in her "Professional Roles" course create artwork, instead of writing traditional final papers, to express their philosophies of nursing. This approach encourages students to explore and communicate their values, emotions, and identities in unique, meaningful ways.
"At first, students look at me like I'm crazy," Dr. Canty says about the non-traditional final assignment. "But then I see throughout the semester they realize what they can do, and they're very happy with the results that come out of that."
The commissioned painting also plays a role in Dr. Canty’s research methodology, where art is used to represent complex themes and human experiences. The response from those who see their stories reflected in her artwork remains one of her greatest rewards.
"We're so conditioned to say no to new things. But I would say, with art, everyone has something in them to... just dream."
—Dr. Lucinda Canty, Associate Professor
Through the “Becoming: Future Nurses” holiday card, EMCON celebrates not only the talent of Dr. Canty but also how the card acts as a reminder that nursing is a living, evolving art—crafted by those who heal with knowledge, heart, and creativity. The painting will soon be hung in the Skinner Hall lobby for all to see and admire.
Featuring
Lucinda Canty
Director of Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program
Associate Professor
