SEE THE ART AT IDWEEK

If you will be attending IDWeek 2025, stop by the Foundation Lounge in the BugHub to view the entire collection of artwork on display and save room in your schedule for two special meet-and-greet sessions with artist Ana Velez, MD, FACP, FIDSA, Monday, Oct. 20, at 5 p.m. ET and Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 12:45 p.m. ET in the lounge.

ABOUT THE IDSA FOUNDATION

The IDSA Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, serves as the primary fundraising partner advancing IDSA’s strategic priorities. Through philanthropic and industry support, the Foundation strengthens the ID workforce; promotes inclusion, diversity, access and equity; and enhances IDSA’s capacity to lead in preparedness, research and public health response. By aligning fundraising efforts with IDSA’s mission, the Foundation helps ensure the Society’s long-term impact as a trusted convener and leader in addressing the world’s most pressing ID challenges. Visit idsafoundation.org to learn more.

ABOUT THE ART

This year’s collection features the story of pioneer researcher Dr. Robert Gallo, drawing inspiration from the history of retroviruses, the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the powerful, human stories involved. Based on conversations with Dr. Gallo and his colleagues, Velez weaves together the science and the social impact of 1982, when AIDS began disproportionately affecting patients with hemophilia and the impact on their families. In the artwork, a healthcare provider cradles falling retroviruses, each enclosing portraits of patients at different stages of life, while another figure shelters under an umbrella, symbolizing the fear and stigma faced by caregivers of the era. True to her signature style of “painting organisms and humans in distress,” Velez creates a vivid social history of infectious diseases, transforming medical narratives into a moving tribute to courage, compassion, and education.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Ana Velez, MD, FACP, FIDSA

My family tried to divert my interest from art to a more traditional career to ensure I had the economic resources to survive in Colombia. Finally, after my perseverance, my parents enrolled me in a local art academy, Academia de Arte de Antonio Herrera. I started my first art class (oil painting) at 13. I was very disciplined and would attend the classes four times a week for about two to three hours.

I was born in Medellín, Colombia. I started drawing when I was able to hold a pen. I have always been fascinated with the human figure, particularly the face, the colors and the light. I remember having difficulties at school because I was sitting in the back of the classroom, always daydreaming with my mind focused on my drawing and the beautiful natural view of the window rather than the class. 

After I started medical school, it became more complicated to find time for art classes, and, finally, I stopped my formal guided art studies when I was 20 years old. While in medical school, my time was limited to continue dedicated painting, but my artistic mind never stopped collecting new ideas and information. I soon realized that my learning process and how I saw life differed significantly from the rest of my medical school colleagues. I learned the complexity of the brain, primarily how we collect and communicate information. This is especially true for the artistic brain. Frequently, we find that the traditional methods impede new innovative and creative learning methods.

Following a successful career in medical school and at the University of South Florida, I tried to communicate different medical concepts, including art and medicine, more visually to students. I firmly believe that science and art are complementary and need to blend.

For more about the artist and her available art, visit Galen Artist

All proceeds from the art auction will support the IDSA Foundation.

IDSA Foundation Art Auction 2025

Infection Meets Inspiration Series 2 - 30"x20" canvas