UMass Boston Showcases Artists in New Exhibition

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The ‘(Re)Visiting’ exhibition at UMass Boston highlighting diverse artistic expressions.

News Summary

The University of Massachusetts Boston celebrates the return of the Visiting Artists Lecture Series with the vibrant exhibition “(Re)Visiting” at University Hall Gallery. Open until April 5, nine remarkable artists display their creations, highlighting themes of creativity, connection, and community. Curated by Sam Toabe, the exhibition aims to engage and inspire art lovers while fostering discussions about the creative process and artistic expression. Events include a panel discussion on March 26 and a closing reception, making it a must-see experience for those passionate about art.

UMass Boston Welcomes Back Engaging Artists with “(Re)Visiting” Exhibition

Boston, take note! The University of Massachusetts Boston is buzzing with excitement as it celebrates the much-anticipated return of the _Visiting Artists Lecture Series_. With an exhilarating exhibition titled _“(Re)Visiting”_ that opened up just recently, art lovers have until April 5 to marvel at the work of nine remarkable artists displaying their creations at the University Hall Gallery.

What’s Cooking in the Gallery?

The gallery, under the insightful direction of curator _Sam Toabe_, is showcasing a vibrant collection that captures the essence of creativity and connection within the art community. Associate professor _Christopher Schade_ is also hard at work ensuring that the Visiting Artists lecture series gets the spotlight it deserves. This ongoing series invites talented artists to share their knowledge and experiences with students, offering invaluable public talks right on campus.

This summer, students can not only hear these talented artists speak but also engage in visual critiques of their own work, further enhancing their artistic journey. The series traces back to a similar initiative brainstormed by Schade, his wife _Zoe Pettijohn Schade_, along with friend _Michael Lee_ all the way back in 2011. Drawing inspiration from a famous 1950s gathering known as “the Club,” the idea was to build a community where art discussions can flourish.

Bringing the Past to Life

Since his arrival at UMass Boston in 2016, Schade has been actively reviving and reshaping this essential series. The mission? To _demystify the creative process_ and showcase the diverse paths that one can take in pursuing a life in the arts. With the support of Toabe, there’s a big emphasis on helping students engage in critical thinking regarding the quality and intent of their artistic work.

Remarkable Artists on Display

The exhibition includes an impressive lineup of nine celebrated artists who have graced the Visiting Artists lecture series between 2017 and 2023. Art enthusiasts can expect to see breathtaking works by _Rachel Beach_, _Beth Campbell_, _Tory Fair_, _Colin Hunt_, _Lucy Kim_, _Joiri Minaya_, _Todd Pavlisko_, _Enrico Riley_, and _Zoe Pettijohn Schade_ herself.

One heart-stirring piece includes Tory Fair’s _“Sunflower,”_ created from bronze and steel—a symbolic representation of resilience and beauty as it portrays this beloved flower. Meanwhile, Rachel Beach’s artwork titled _“Demi”_ boasts abstract architecture with striking red acrylic shades which aims to evoke the notion of a “guardian of war.”

Lucy Kim’s lively piece, _“Homomorphy: Fish and Bat,”_ cleverly combines fish and baseball bats, providing a fun twist on form and stereotypes. On the other hand, Colin Hunt’s _“Untitled (Red Rocks)”_ focuses on the connections among people, nature, and memory as it challenges viewers to think about themes of change.

Expect to be captivated by Zoe Pettijohn Schade’s intricate work _“Attempts at Self Organization 5,”_ which explores the beauty in repetition and symmetry through geometric patterns. Enrico Riley’s _“Untitled (Mending Relations)”_ skillfully fuses abstraction with realism, addressing the multifaceted concept of time in a stunning artistic statement. Meanwhile, Beth Campbell presents _“Shifting,”_ a mobile installation that provokes thought about how everyday objects relate to our feelings tied to certain spaces and moments.

Engage, Reflect, Inspire

In a bid to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for art within the community, Toabe is passionate about highlighting the importance of having artists present in our lives, voicing their insights through visual art. The exhibition not only aims to elevate awareness regarding the Visiting Artists lecture series but also aspires to spark ongoing conversations among students and art enthusiasts alike.

Mark your calendars! There’s a panel discussion lined up for March 26, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a closing reception in the gallery space from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. With the University Hall Gallery open Monday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., don’t miss your chance to experience the fusion of creativity and inspiration that _“(Re)Visiting”_ promises to deliver!