
Chyna Miller proudly calls Gainesville home, having immersed herself in the community for nearly four years. A Visual Arts graduate from the Mississippi School of the Arts, she is currently completing her Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences at UF. In tandem, Chyna is exploring Arts in Public Health through a Graduate Certificate at UF Center for Arts in Medicine. Her artistic journey includes studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and culminated in a BFA in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Houston.
Chyna’s advocacy journey began in Houston, Texas, where her impactful work as a visual artist led to the city declaring October 25th as Chyna Wheatley (Miller) Day. This recognition celebrates her unwavering commitment to raising awareness of social determining health issues through the arts. As an artist in residence at UF Health Shands, Chyna infuses creativity into healing within both clinical and community settings. Her passion is to utilize the arts as a potent tool for addressing the health impacts of adversity, driving positive change in local communities through innovative art-based research methods. Beyond being an artist, Chyna is a dedicated force for good, leveraging her creativity to leave a lasting impact on the well-being of those around her.
Why Arts in Medicine?
Growing up in the rural South presented its share of challenges, but artmaking became my lifeline. Drawing, painting, and photography became creative outlets, and essential tools for navigating adversity. I recognize the profound impact that artistic expression had on my ability to overcome difficult experiences.
Having worked with diverse patient groups—from those battling cancer to those recovering from strokes—I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of art. It’s like a spark that ignites even in life’s toughest moments, providing healing and building resilience in ways that words often can’t capture. Art, for me, is more than a medium; it’s a lifeline, and I’ve seen its magic in the lives of others.
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