Margery Pabst Steinmetz at The Mayflower
“An apple a day,” as they say, “keeps the doctor away.” But what if instead of a daily apple, it was a monthly concert or a bi-weekly ballet? What if we lived in a world where physicians prescribed not just pills, but painting classes—and health insurance covered art therapy as well as physical therapy?
That’s the kind of world Central Florida philanthropist Margery “Margie” Pabst Steinmetz envisions and alongside the UF Center for Arts in Medicine (CAM), she’s well on her way to making it a reality.
Earlier this month, Steinmetz spoke at a ladies’ luncheon for The Mayflower’s new “Voices of Influence” speaker series about the evidence-backed relationship between art and health and the ways in which this often-overlooked connection can be leveraged to create healthier, more engaged communities.
For instance, it’s well-documented that attending a live concert can lower blood pressure, relieve pain, and improve a sense of community connection—all essential factors in healthy aging. Likewise, hands-on creative activities like painting, pottery, and playing music offer a range of benefits, from managing arthritis to improving memory and cognitive health.
Despite these and many other proven advantages, real-world applications of art in medicine have been slower to take hold. That’s where Steinmetz, co-founder of the charitable Pabst Steinmetz Foundation, is on the forefront of change: advancing research and building collaborative relationships between researchers, performing arts organizations, and policy makers.
“We're looking at on-the-ground experience coupled with research. And those are a powerful combination, like two train tracks that go together,” said Steinmetz, quoted in UF College of Arts magazine In the Loop. “We update people on: Here's the latest research, and here's how it works. Here's how you can see it and feel it in your community. And when you put the two together, it's absolutely powerful.”
Steinmetz began as a trailblazer, but her movement is catching on, and with attention from policymakers both locally and in Washington D.C., she looks forward to much more impact in the years ahead.
Central Florida has become a hub for creativity and culture, from world-class performers at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to up-and-coming musicians and actors taking the stage at Rollins College. And here at The Mayflower, our art-loving residents enjoy a front-row seat to the best art and culture the area has to offer.
In just the past year, we’ve hosted arias performed by Opera Orlando’s visiting artists. Classical masterpieces courtesy of Bach Festival Society musicians. Behind-the-scenes tours and rehearsal sneak peaks of Orlando Ballet’s Giselle and Swan Lake. And guest speakers including not only Steinmetz, but also experts from leading performing arts organizations across Orlando, sharing their insights into creativity, art history and culture.
And there’s even more waiting in the wings. From music, ballet, and ballroom dance to watercolor painting, poetry, and crafting, The Mayflower’s hands-on creative programming offers something for everyone. Because no matter where your inspiration leads you, getting creative never gets old and appreciating fine art is timeless.
To learn more about The Mayflower at Winter Park (or to schedule a personal tour), send us a message or give us a call at 407.672.1620. We look forward to hearing from you!
