It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I introduce to you our latest edition of Wild Onions, a publication committed to providing our community with space to share our experiences through the arts. This year, Wild Onions focuses on the profound theme of “Moments of Silence.”
Silence goes far beyond the absence of sound. It encompasses the unspoken words, the unacknowledged emotions, and the overlooked stories that permeate the spaces between us. It is in the exploration of these spaces that the true power of silence is revealed—the power to heal, to connect, and to transform. Our hope is that through providing a safe space for expression, our community can begin to unravel the layers of silence, embracing its beauty while acknowledging its risks.
Mindfulness, being present in the moment as it is without judgment, can blossom in silence. Through intentional connection with our mind and heart, the truth of our emotions and experiences can be known more intimately. This knowing can form the foundation for artistic expression. Through poetry, visual art, and prose, Wild Onions serves as a canvas for the diverse voices within our community to express their truth. By doing so, we hope to create a space for introspection and connection, where the community can come together to share, learn, and grow.
Acknowledging the potential harm of silence is also a crucial aspect of our exploration. It is a recognition of the shadows that silence can cast—the isolation, the marginalization, and the suppression of voices that deserve to be heard. As we delve into this theme, we are committed to shedding light on these darker corners, acknowledging the hurt that silence can perpetuate. Through the vulnerability of artistic expression, we aim to challenge these silences, fostering an environment where dialogue can flourish and understanding can grow.
I am grateful to the many students, faculty, staff, and patients who have contributed artistic submissions from both the Hershey and University Park campuses. The sharing of your voices is what makes this publication such a powerful representation of our community’s commitment to the arts. Thank you to our Co-Editors Allison Ching and Pallavi Kulkarni, Editor-in-Chief Daniel George, Managing Editor Deb Tomazin, and many student editors from both the Hershey and University Park campuses, whose unwavering commitments have made this publication possible year after year.
This issue of Wild Onions will feature a wide array of artistic contributions, each offering a unique perspective. We invite you to embark on this journey with us, to explore the profound beauty and potential harm of silence, and to celebrate the role of the arts in forging connections that transcend words. Let us come together as a community, breaking the silence that separates us and celebrating the power of artistic expression to build bridges and foster connection.
Warm regards,
Timothy D. Riley, MD
Associate Professor, Associate Vice Chair for Wellness
Department of Family and Community Medicine