54 Reflection on Learning – Engagement With The Arts (“Hey Buddy, I’m Bill!”)

After visiting the “Hey Buddy, I’m Bill!” exhibit in the university library, I was able to gather so much new information about the ways in which the arts are able to truly heal an individual. Although Bill himself was failed by the traditional healthcare system and labelled as a peculiar and unintelligent individual, he still found his way… through music and art! With this, he was able to cope with all that society had thrown on him (which includes being absolutely shut out and shunned). Bill carried on and played his harmonica from the time he was in the institution all the way up until his death. All he wanted was to make people laugh, smile, dance, and converse. Bill had even utilized his time working in a coffee shop to create art in the food and drinks he made/served. Regardless of his physical, and possibly mental, health problems, he was still able to use art in its various forms in order to positively influence the lives of other people. Had it not been for the mysterious, yet magical power of the arts, no one would have ever heard the heartfelt story of Bill.