Arts

Right in Tune

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:58:52 +0000

Right in Tune BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 03/19/2025 - 14:58

Student group takes center stage at landmark Carnegie Hall

March 20, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

When Giana Uwazany, ’26, began singing in third grade, she had no aspirations of being a professional musician never mind performing on one of the world’s grandest stages.

In high school, Giana realized she wanted to pursue music as a career. But singing at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall? That wasn’t a possibility until she became a Bridgewater State student.

“That was something I never thought I’d be able to do,” said Giana, a music performance major and dance minor from Brimfield. “To be able to sing on a stage as prestigious as that was amazing and such a unique experience.”

Giana and 19 of her ŷ�� peers traveled to New York City over spring break with Assistant Professor Brad Dumont, who arranged for the Carnegie Hall performance through the organization National Concerts. The ŷ�� students, joined by peers from Baylor and Linfield universities, formed a nearly 200-person chorus to sing the world premiere of “The Wilderness of You” by Andrea Ramsey.

“Not only performing at Carnegie Hall, but to premiere a piece that had never been performed before was a really big thing,” said Hannah Sirard, ’25, a music major from Amherst. “We were making a mark on history.”

Ramsey, a well-known composer of choral music, wrote the 25-minute piece to explore connections between the natural world and the human body.

“I was really proud of how they all showed up for the music and showed up for themselves,” said Dr. Dumont, remarking on the students’ confidence on such a big stage. “I saw all the students looking up from their score in a new way.”

For Dakota Potter, ’27, a transfer student in his first semester as a Bear, the trip provided an opportunity to bond with his new classmates.

“I was able to be brought into the fold right away,” said Dakota, an archaeology major and history minor from Keene, New Hampshire. “Everyone on the trip was very accepting and inclusive.”

ŷ�� financially supported the students’ travel, including offering scholarships for those with financial need. While in New York, students toured museums and attended music and theatrical performances.

They also participated in rehearsals and worked with Ramsey. Collaborating directly with the composer brought a deeper meaning to the piece, said Kai Morgan, ’26, a music major from Weymouth who is an aspiring composer.

Kai praised Dumont and other music faculty for giving students such memorable experiences.

“I love the Music Department so much,” he said. “So many professors go above and beyond for their students and care so much.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Not only performing at Carnegie Hall, but to premiere a piece that had never been performed before was a really big thing. We were making a mark on history.

Hannah Sirard, ’25

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Arts

Music Calling

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 14:21:03 +0000

Music Calling BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 12/31/2024 - 09:21

Career-changing student pursues job as music teacher

January 2, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Returning to college as a 46-year-old, Stratos Bonos, ’26, worried how he would be received on campus. As it turned out, Stratos had nothing to fear at Bridgewater State.

“I truly felt a genuine welcome from everyone I encountered,” said the music education major from Grafton. “It’s very rare to find this type of culture and environment at other schools. It’s genuine here.”

Stratos started taking college classes right after high school but put his degree on hold for financial reasons. He then became heavily involved in retail work, rising to district manager during a 23-year career at TJX Companies. But he missed a passion for music that flourished while he was in high school.

Seeking a career change, Stratos is back in the classroom studying to become a music teacher, ideally focusing on high school chorus or elementary music. He hopes to provide a space where students feel a sense of belonging just as he experienced in high school choral classes.

Stratos felt at home at ŷ�� from his first time on campus. Transfer Services Director Jeff Sarahs, '10, G'12, and Dr. Sarah McQuarrie, chairperson of the Department of Music, were eager to meet him and helped him assimilate to Bridgewater.

When a severe car crash upended one semester, Stratos appreciated how accommodating his professors were about extending deadlines for assignments. It’s another example of the culture at Bridgewater that he finds so impressive.

In class, McQuarrie emphasizes the real-world applications of course concepts. Learning at ŷ�� has a purpose beyond passing an exam, said Stratos, who even conducted a chorus during ŷ��'s recent Holiday Extravaganza.

“She also shows a lot of patience, which is something as a teacher that I want to exhibit,” he said. “It’s about the journey and recognizing those small successes. She role models that every day.”

Stratos has a dynamic personality and is a strong critical thinker who is unafraid to ask questions, McQuarrie said.

“Stratos is very well liked and well respected among his peers,” she said. “He blends right in with the other students. He does not have any sort of preconception that he’s older or wiser. He’s there to learn.”

Outside of the classroom, Stratos serves as a tour guide, where he ensures prospective students feel the positive atmosphere he experienced.

“It’s been everything,” he said of coming to ŷ��. “It’s what has sustained me. It's what is setting me up for the next chapter of my life.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I truly felt a genuine welcome from everyone I encountered. It’s very rare to find this type of culture and environment at other schools. It’s genuine here.

Stratos Bonos, ’26

Tags

Student Spotlight

Arts

Photos by Mackenzie Rubitschung, ’21, G’27, and Kendell French, ’25

Photographic Memories

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:44:28 +0000

Photographic Memories BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 09/19/2024 - 08:44

Instructor uses art to help youngsters deal with loss

September 19, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

As a summer camp photographer, Doug Breault, ’12, captures the pure joy of kids at play. But for the children he typically photographs, joy can be an emotion that too often feels distant.

Breault volunteers for a program that serves children who are grieving the death of a loved one – a feeling he knows all too well.

“When I was a Bridgewater student and I lost my dad, I realized the only thing that made me feel better was helping other people,” said Breault, who earned a degree in studio art from Bridgewater State and now teaches part-time at his alma mater.

That’s exactly what he has done for the past two summers at a Maine camp for boys who have lost a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. The program is part of Experience Camps, a nonprofit that operates across the country.

Breault documented traditional camp activities and poignant moments where campers reflected on their experiences. Just as important, he became an empathetic mentor ready to listen to the campers and help them grow.

“It’s really challenging to be in an environment where every kid has had this impactful loss,” he said. “They’re trying to regain some social confidence, try new skills, and even just talk about it at first.”

Breault faced similar challenges after his father died by suicide. Instead of summer camp, he found comfort in Bridgewater State art classes, where his artistic endeavors became an outlet for his grief.

“I never took an art class before coming to Bridgewater,” said Breault, who initially explored writing and psychology as potential majors. “I took photography as an elective and I realized I was spending more time on that class than the others. I haven’t looked back since.”

Breault earned a master’s degree in fine arts from Tufts University and returned to Bridgewater in 2018 to teach. He’s a professional interdisciplinary artist whose work is rooted in photography but includes other media. Breault is also exhibitions director for the Cambridge nonprofit Gallery 263.

He models his teaching after his experience in Professor Mary Dondero’s ŷ�� classes. Like Dondero, he helps students become self-guided learners who are not dependent on someone else to tell them the answer.

“My goal is for students to be independent problem solvers navigating their ideas and experiments,” he said. “Failure is part of the learning curve. It’s okay to make something that’s not your favorite piece of artwork, but you can learn from that.”

As a Bridgewater student, Breault also found solace through community service activities as part of the alternative break program.

“Just by helping other people ... you’re more proactive in your grief,” Breault said. “That was a major outlet to feel like I’m doing something.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

(At ŷ��,) I took photography as an elective and I realized I was spending more time on that class than the others. I haven’t looked back since.

Doug Breault, ’12

Tags

Faculty Focus

Alumni Profile

Arts

Photo by Kristen Mallen

AI on Display

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 13:37:48 +0000

AI on Display BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 08/27/2024 - 09:37

Math professor and students seek to show artier side of emerging technology

August 29, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Blending artificial intelligence and art may raise questions at first glance. But a group of ŷ�� scientists and mathematicians is showing how the two disciplines can work well together.

With a key assist from AI, about 20 students, faculty and staff in the Bartlett College of Science and Mathematics recently created a painting highlighting many facets of their disciplines.

“This was an opportunity for me to show people how we can embrace this technology just like we have embraced any other emergent technology,” said Dr. Vignon Oussa, a math professor and organizer of the painting project.

To create the image, the group solicited words and phrases that represented the college and ŷ��. Participants then used artificial intelligence to create several designs based on those words.

They decided to paint an AI-generated image depicting staircases shaped like DNA, as well as rocks, geometric shapes, chemical fumes, and other features that highlight college programs.

“This was an amazing opportunity for me as an artist to get a group of people, especially scientifically oriented minds, to work on something that you usually don’t expect this group to have an interest in,” said Oussa, who has long had a passion for art and used those skills to blend individual painters’ work seamlessly together. “It was a powerful experience.”

Lauren De Morais, ’27, appreciated the opportunity to build connections with her peers and professors as they painted.

“For me, it was awesome because I met so many new people,” said Lauren, who is majoring in math and secondary education. “We are all different majors and come from different backgrounds, so it’s good to have a place to connect with each other.”

The painting now hangs in the atrium of the Dana-Mohler Faria Science and Mathematics Center, where participants hope it highlights a responsible, positive use of AI.

It also represents the diversity of the college through a single work of art, said painter Judi Morin, administrative assistant for the Department of Mathematics.

“It brings a lot of things together,” she said, “and we’re all part of one big universe.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

This was an opportunity for me to show people how we can embrace this technology just like we have embraced any other emergent technology.

Dr. Vignon Oussa

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Arts

Colorful Message

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:47:48 +0000

Colorful Message BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 07/24/2024 - 11:47

Alumnus-artist paints campus mural celebrating community

July 25, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Turned off by the rigidity of his high school art classes, Mark Carvalho, ’01, almost abandoned his interest in visual arts. But a Bridgewater State painting class helped him rediscover that passion – and his future career.

The course, taught by Dr. Stephen Smalley, was inspirational. Rather than being overbearing with requirements, Smalley guided students in bringing out their individual creativity.

“He taught in a very open and free way,” recalled Carvalho, who was pursuing a degree in aviation but switched to fine arts. “It was really refreshing and sparked something in me.”

Today, Carvalho is an art educator himself and a street artist going by the name Boston Maki. He recently returned to his alma mater to paint a mural through an initiative organized by ŷ��’s Spirit Committee.

The 30-by-7-foot work, located between the bookstore and Dunkin’ inside East Campus Commons, features three bear faces that pay homage to ŷ��’s mascot. Carvalho spent 30 hours on campus creating the mural. After installing a black primer coat, he applied spray paint using a stencil to create intricate details of each bear’s face.

The three bears are unique in color and composition, something Carvalho said is meant to symbolize the diversity of the ŷ�� community. He hopes the thousands of students who walk by his creation draw their own meaning.

“I designed it so it’s not ambiguous, but maybe makes people want to tell a story when they look at it,” he said.

For Alexis Conley, ’99, G’14, the mural symbolizes how everyone – no matter their background – is a Bear.

“We really wanted this to be a unique piece of art,” said Conley, who co-chairs the Spirit Committee and is assistant director of alumni relations. “I thought it was such a fantastic way to showcase one of our own alumni.”

Carvalho’s street art has taken him to Miami, New York City and Costa Rica. He predominately paints in New Bedford, where he helped city officials appreciate the vibrancy street art brings to otherwise mundane things such as vacant buildings and electrical boxes.

He also teaches at Whaling City Alternative Junior/Senior High School, a New Bedford school serving at-risk students. As he works with students who struggled in traditional schools, Carvalho thinks back to lessons learned at Bridgewater.

“Coming into this job, I took the approach Dr. Smalley took: ‘I’m going to foster your creativity,’” he said, noting his students are a lot like himself. “They thrive in a different environment. I’ve got some kids creating great artwork that wouldn’t have participated before.”

Carvalho is excited to see so much public art at ŷ��, including bear statues and a tunnel mural painted by students and alumni.

“It’s amazing,” he said of showcasing the creativity of members of the Bridgewater community. “You’re building a sense of school pride. You’re showing students that these things can be done.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I designed it so it’s not ambiguous, but maybe makes people want to tell a story when they look at it.

Mark Carvalho, ’01

Tags

Alumni Profile

Arts

Art Speaks

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:48:07 +0000

Art Speaks BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 12/14/2023 - 15:48

Graduate students showcase their work and experiences in exhibition

December 19, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

Megan Kenealy’s and Ari Barrett’s graduate school theses explore topics close to their hearts. And the two art students are spreading messages of hope and love far beyond the confines of campus.

Megan and Ari, who are completing master’s degrees in teaching art at Bridgewater State, are exhibiting their artwork at The Ignition Space in downtown Fall River. Ari’s work focuses on climate change, while Megan’s concerns the realities of being a surrogate.

“I love the fact that not only are we showing our work to the Bridgewater community, but anyone who walks in off the street,” said Megan, who teaches at Abington High School and earned her undergraduate art degree from Bridgewater in 2006. “It’s providing that connection between Fall River and ŷ��.”

For the Nurture/Nature exhibit, Ari highlighted the American bullfrog, a species that scientists think can thrive amid climate change. Meanwhile, Megan takes visitors on her personal journey as a surrogate by weaving together artifacts and more traditional artwork.

“This enriches the art and culture in Fall River,” said Cate Becker, site assistant for the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition, which runs The Ignition Space. “Also, it’s amazing to let people see the eclectic exhibit that this is. This show is so unique.”

Megan, who served as a surrogate for a family member who is in a same-sex relationship, incorporated hair and medical documents alongside art made with graphite and frozen breast milk.

“I hope (visitors) realize there’s a lot of different types of family,” Megan said. “I hope they can see the love that this journey was for all of us. I hope they see the hard work that goes into it and the relationship between all of us.”

Studying at ŷ�� and working on the thesis helped her embrace the use of unconventional materials in her art. Now Megan said she is more confident encouraging Abington students to use their creativity in class and long after they graduate.

Ari, who teaches at King Philip Regional Middle School in Norfolk and once considered becoming a wildlife biologist, made a series of ceramic sculptures of frogs in aquatic, desert and swampy environments to show that life will continue even in the face of climate change. She aims to inspire those who feel it is too late to save Earth.

“I just get so overwhelmed thinking about all the negative outcomes for my future children and grandchildren,” she said, wondering whether they will share the Earth with elephants, polar bears and other animals she loved as a kid. “I’m hoping people think it isn’t all doom and gloom.”

Megan and Ari discussed their thesis work with their students, some of whom may even visit the exhibition.

The two educators met in a ceramics class at ŷ�� and went on to take every course they could together.

“Meagan has taught me so much,” Ari said. “It’s been such a happy coincidence getting to know her.”

Nurture/Nature will be on display through Jan. 6 at The Ignition Space, 341 S. Main St., Fall River.

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I love the fact that not only are we showing our work to the Bridgewater community, but anyone who walks in off the street. It’s providing that connection between Fall River and ŷ��.

Megan Kenealy, '06, G'24

Tags

Graduate Studies

Arts

Giving Voice To A Dream

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:31:55 +0000

Giving Voice To A Dream BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 12/08/2023 - 11:31

First-year student to sing with Boston Symphony and Pops orchestras

December 12, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

Josh Shilo, ’27, discovered his passion for singing as a young child. Now a college freshman, Josh is about to achieve a goal he’s held for almost as long: performing regularly with the Boston Pops and Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Josh was recently accepted into the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, a group of approximately 200 highly talented singers that accompanies the orchestras.

“It feels so surreal,” said Josh, a Bridgewater State University music education major from Salem. “It’s been a dream of mine for 10-plus years. To have accomplished this before I’m even 20 is a great feeling. I can only go up from here.”

When Josh performs with the chorus for the first time this spring, he’ll be among the youngest musicians on the Symphony Hall stage. But he’s ready for the spotlight thanks to years of practice and lessons this semester with part-time music faculty member Albert Craig.

“This is such a unique opportunity for him and a great opportunity for a young singer to be able to participate in such a world-renowned chorus,” Craig said.

Josh brings a rich deep voice, the understanding of musical phrasing and dynamics, and the willingness to continually improve, Craig said.

Josh, who sang from Handel’s Messiah and Brahms’ Requiem for his Tanglewood audition, worked with Craig on the pieces.

“He has been extremely helpful in preparing for my audition,” Josh said. “I’ve improved dramatically from my first day. It’s really thanks to him and the insight he provided.”

Josh draws musical inspiration from his mom, who teaches healthcare studies at Salem State University and used to perform in church choirs.

“My mom lost her singing voice because of a stroke,” Josh said. “That pushed me to continue to sing and pursue the highest level (of performing) so I can sing for my mom.”

Josh, who came to Bridgewater because of its strong education program and opportunities to conduct research as an undergraduate, is already highly involved on campus. He performed in the theatrical production of Dracula and participates in the chorale, chess club, WBIM radio station and the sign language club.

Bridgewater, he said, is the perfect school to help him achieve his goals of teaching high school music and, eventually, following in his mom’s footsteps by becoming a professor.

“The music instruction is fantastic,” he said of ŷ��. “There really is no better place for me to be going to school.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

The music instruction (at Bridgewater State) is fantastic. There really is no better place for me to be going to school.

Josh Shilo, ’27

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Arts

Student Spotlight

Tunnel of Art

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 14:55:55 +0000

Tunnel of Art HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 08/18/2023 - 10:55

Alumna reflects on painting this year’s mural inside campus tunnel

August 22, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski

This summer, alumna Samantha Cushman, ’19, G’23, was back on campus, paintbrush in hand, to continue the tradition of creating the annual Turchon tunnel mural.

Bridgewater State University has commissioned an artist for each of the past six years to paint the campus landmark named after former ŷ�� Foundation member Carolyn (Van Buskirk) Turchon, ’62.

Cushman currently works as an elementary art teacher in Rockland and is the first ŷ�� alumna to create a mural for the tunnel.

“It makes me feel so proud to be able to do this, to have my work featured at a place I spent so much time at,” she said. “It’s very validating and surreal.”

When it came time to select this year’s artist, ŷ�� Associate Director of Collection and Exhibitions Jay Block knew he wanted to hire Cushman.

“Her message of ecological diversity and accessible imagery made her a great candidate for a public work like the tunnel, matched with her professionalism as an artist,” Block said.

It isn’t the first time Cushman has shared her talents with the ŷ�� community. As a graduate student, Block asked Cushman to paint one of the university’s fiberglass bear statues (it still stands by the East Campus Commons). Using only black and white colors, she decorated the bear with an array of native Massachusetts plants.

“That project turned into my thesis project for my master’s degree where I focused on the importance of native Massachusetts flora and how it’s affected by invasive species,” Cushman said.

For this year’s mural, while she did use some native floral imagery, Cushman abandoned her usual black-and-white palette and instead infused bright colors throughout the mural.

“I don’t usually work in color. I stepped outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “It’s very striking, and I’m happy with how it turned out.”

Along with the flora, multiple buildings from across campus are included, such as Boyden Hall and the Art Building. Cushman also used personal symbols to reflect her time as a student at ŷ��.

“It’s a very reflective piece, very full circle. It’s symbolic of all the time I spent at Bridgewater. From the times I stayed overnight on campus in the art building getting my work done, to just sitting on campus and taking in how beautiful it is,” she said.

The project has boosted Cushman’s confidence as an artist, and she is thankful to Block for believing in her.

“This is a big opportunity, that I get to be an artist and not just a student anymore,” she said. “It’s been a fun transition...to be an actual working artist. I’m dedicating the mural to Jay and all members of the art department, as they’ve been a second family to me during my time at Bridgewater.”

Cushman hopes those who view the mural will enjoy it while it is on display during the 2023-24 academic year.

Does it bother her that her work will eventually be replaced?

“Not at all,” she said. “I think having these opportunities available for multiple artists is important and I think, especially when it comes to public art, when you leave it up too long people tire of it,” she said. “Being able to offer this opportunity to the next person who needs is, that is really cool.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

It’s a very reflective piece, very full circle. It’s symbolic of all the time I spent at Bridgewater. From the times I stayed overnight on campus in the art building getting my work done, to just sitting on campus and taking in how beautiful it is.

Samantha Cushman, '19, G'23

Tags

Arts

Alumni Profile

Campus News

Main Image by Mackenzie Rubitschung, '21

Fenway Fanfare

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:52:29 +0000

Fenway Fanfare BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 01/09/2023 - 14:52

Faculty member performs during NHL Winter Classic

January 12, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

As the Boston Bruins pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park, a ŷ�� faculty member played a key role pumping up the sellout crowd.

Dr. John “Bebo” Shiu, a part-time music professor and director of the university’s string ensemble, plays double bass with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. The Pops provided the soundtrack to the high-profile outdoor hockey game.

Performing from the outfield with the famous Green Monster towering overhead, Shiu and his fellow musicians entertained the crowd with tunes such as Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and The Rolling Stones’ “Paint it, Black.” They even started a wave that rippled through stands filled with screaming fans who inspired hockey players and musicians alike.

“Hearing the crowd and feeling the energy, it was amazing,” Shiu said. “We had to match their energy.”

Cheering reached a crescendo as Jake DeBrusk scored two third-period goals to orchestrate a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburg Penguins.

“It was pretty incredible,” Shiu said. “It’s something I will definitely never forget.”

Shiu has also played bass at the July Fourth concert in the Hatch Shell and on a Grammy-winning recording by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. He started playing the instrument as a child after he plucked his sister’s violin strings so hard that they broke. The bass’ heavier strings better withstood his early attempts at making music.

Now he relishes the opportunity to share his professional experiences with ŷ�� students.

“For me, it's all about bringing the field experience into the classroom and discussing the preparation that goes into it,” said Shiu, who recounts the extensive practicing, auditioning, and playing that is necessary to join one of the country’s premiere orchestras. “It takes years and years to prepare yourself and be ready for these opportunities.”

Shiu also encourages non-music majors to participate in the String Ensemble and other performing groups offered by the Department of Music.

“Music is for everyone,” he said. “And music is everywhere.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

For me, it's all about bringing the field experience into the classroom and discussing the preparation that goes into it. It takes years and years to prepare yourself and be ready for these opportunities.

Dr. John “Bebo” Shiu

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Arts

Group photo provided by The Boston Pops

Artful Proposal

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 19:02:14 +0000

Artful Proposal BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 11/30/2022 - 14:02

Student assignment leads to timely campus exhibit

December 1, 2022

Brian Benson

Dr. Jonathan Shirland challenges students to think like professionals by writing proposals to bring art to campus.

The assignment has been an integral part of his Women in the Visual Arts class, but a recent proposal on unique collages created by artist Lavett Ballard led to an actual exhibit reaching a much broader audience.

“We wanted to do something highlighting the work of a Black woman artist as that population is the most underrepresented in galleries and museums,” said art history major Elizabeth Ezekiel, ’23, who co-wrote the proposal about Ballard and became the exhibit’s assistant curator.

Ballard’s collages, some of which are on display in Bridgewater State University’s Anderson Gallery through Feb. 10, include images and newspaper headlines of historic events, such as the Montgomery bus boycott. She also incorporates pictures of famous and everyday members of the African diaspora. Ballard often uses sections of fence or other reclaimed wood. Fences, her work posits, are like racial and gender identities in that they confine and exclude.

The exhibit became a reality after Jay Block, ŷ��’s associate director of collections and exhibitions, saw potential in the proposal written by Elizabeth, Maya Boivin, Melanie Marhefka, Benjamin Matos and Erin Williams.

“I’ve always been a proponent of students having more say on campus and more say about the art,” said Block, who offers feedback on all proposals written by Shirland’s students. “This one was absolutely professional and spot on.”

As assistant curator, Elizabeth worked side by side with Block. She interviewed Ballard, wrote an essay about the art, and helped set up the exhibit.

“Getting to see the full breadth of this process has changed my career path,” said Elizabeth, who aspires to attend graduate school and become a curatorial researcher for a museum. “This was so monumental for me.”

While the exhibit highlights racial justice, Shirland helps students explore art addressing many contemporary topics, including LGBTQ rights and mental health.

The proposal assignment “is deliberately designed so students can find and make a compelling case for whatever issue is most urgent to them,” the associate art professor said.

Ballard appreciates how ŷ�� students have the freedom to explore artists like herself.

“I look back to my young high school and college days, and the artists didn’t look like me,” Ballard said. “To be able to say that my work … impacted these students so much, it was really cool and humbling.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

We wanted to do something highlighting the work of a Black woman artist as that population is the most underrepresented in galleries and museums.

Elizabeth Ezekiel, ’23

Tags

Arts

Racial Justice

Most photos by Luis Pires, '23