Last spring, hundreds of UF Health staff, patients and visitors were inspired by 352Creates and took a five-minute creativity break to enjoy a hands-on project to recharge their creative spark. Nursing teams created coffee cup mandalas, patients and visitors drew on coloring sheets and faculty, staff and students wrote their ambitions on the “Before I Die” wall. This year, 352Creates again invites everyone to join in participatory art-making throughout the 352 area code in Gainesville and North Central Florida.

352Creates is a network of individuals, organizations and businesses united by the idea that creativity connects our community and makes us healthier and stronger. The organizing partners are UF Health, UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine and the Center for Arts in Medicine at the UF College of the Arts.

Each spring for the past two years, community-wide “pop-up” art activities and participation by individuals, groups, schools, libraries, hospitals and businesses as part of 352Creates have promoted health and community engagement in unexpected ways and in diverse locations.

If you’re eager to get creative now, you don’t have to wait! You can ‘Create in Place.’ This new, year-round 352Creates initiative encourages you to create wherever you are, whenever you want. 352Creates promotes ‘Create in Place’ on the second Friday of every month. Do something creative and share it on social media with the hashtag #352Creates. (For UF Health employees, please do not take photos at work, due to our privacy guidelines. Instead, please show us what creative activities you’re doing at home and in the community!)

The 352Creates.com site provides simple ideas of what you can do to be creative … from hosting a sing-along, to gardening, cooking or doing a simple coloring project. All these activities can stimulate your creativity and contribute to a sense of peace and well-being.

Visit 352creates.com to get more information, connect on social media platforms, share your activities using #352Creates and stay tuned for updates on the UF Health Bridge, Shands News and Doctor Gator. (Find our communications tools on the Bridge under the “News&Events” tab.)