Indianapolis, Indiana – In celebration of National Disabilities Awareness Month, the University of Indianapolis hosted a special performance on March 17 that combined the talents of two of its faculty members—adjunct music instructor Meadow Bridgham and associate professor of English Liz Whiteacre. The performance, titled Garden Songs, was part of the Faculty Artist Concert Series and highlighted the healing power of music and poetry. The program offered a profound exploration of how art can be a tool for both personal expression and societal change, particularly in the context of disabilities.
The collaboration between Bridgham and Whiteacre began in 2021 when Bridgham, a genderqueer artist with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and autism, approached Whiteacre to write poetry based on Bridgham’s personal experiences with TLE. This collaboration birthed Seasons of Seizing: Six Poems on Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, which Bridgham later set to music. The piece offered a raw and emotional look at the complexities of living with a neurological condition. Since then, Whiteacre has written ten additional poems, expanding the scope of the work to reflect her own experiences with chronic pain and its intersection with Bridgham’s life and struggles with TLE.
The performance, held in the university’s Music Center, blended poetry readings, original piano compositions, and vocal renditions, creating a multi-layered experience for the audience. Bridgham’s music was complemented by the poetic readings of Whiteacre, with Andrew Durham, a voice instructor at Georgetown College and choir director at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, adding a powerful vocal element to the evening.
Bridgham, who identifies as both genderqueer and autistic, used the event to emphasize the significance of visible artistic expression, particularly within marginalized communities. “We save our democracy through visible, sincere artistic expressions of the self,” Bridgham said. “I hope our concert is a beacon to the many genderqueer, autistic, and disabled musicians and students at the University of Indianapolis.” These words resonated deeply with attendees, as the concert not only celebrated the healing power of music and poetry but also showcased the importance of inclusivity in the arts.
The evening was not only a performance but also an opportunity to highlight issues surrounding disability, identity, and artistic expression. Whiteacre’s poetry, which draws heavily on her own battles with chronic pain, has been compiled into a forthcoming chapbook titled It Could Account for the Panic. The chapbook is set to be published by Finishing Line Press later this month, and Whiteacre expressed her hope that her work would provide a voice for those dealing with similar chronic conditions. The chapbook will be available for order through Finishing Line Press’s website.
The performance was a deeply moving reminder of the power of art to break down barriers and foster understanding. By intertwining their personal experiences with broader societal themes, Bridgham and Whiteacre created a space where the audience could reflect on their own struggles and find solace in the shared humanity expressed through music and poetry.
The event also held a special significance as part of National Disabilities Awareness Month. With Bridgham openly sharing their experience as an autistic individual with temporal lobe epilepsy, the concert underscored the importance of visibility for disabled and neurodivergent artists in academic and artistic spaces. In many ways, the concert was not just an artistic event but a call to action—inviting more inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with disabilities.
As the concert concluded, the impact of the performance was clear. Through their collaboration, Bridgham and Whiteacre showed that art has the potential to be a powerful tool for both personal healing and social change. For the University of Indianapolis community, Garden Songs was more than just a concert—it was a poignant reminder of the importance of artistic expression in advancing awareness and empathy for individuals with disabilities. The event’s success further cemented the power of faculty-led initiatives in fostering dialogue and understanding, ensuring that voices from all walks of life are heard and celebrated.
