The College of Arts and Sciences and the Arts Institute recently launched its inaugural Art by All exhibition, an inclusive event designed to showcase student artwork and foster a sense of community. Organized by Leo McNamee '25, along with the Department of Visual & Performing Arts, the Arts Institute of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Center for Social Impact, and the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, this exhibition opened on February 25 and will be on view until April 13, in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library on the lower level.
Inspired by a desire to provide students with a platform to share their creative expressions, the exhibition aimed to eliminate the fear that often accompanies public art displays. The exhibit feature a variety of art forms including paintings, costumes, embroidery, and more. McNamee, a visual arts student at ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ, wanted to create an event where everyone—regardless of experience—could participate. "I wanted to make sure that student art was seen by everyone," said McNamee. "Exhibiting your work is intimidating, and I know that calling yourself an artist can be hard. This event was meant to offer an inclusive space for people to come together and share their creations."
The event was a collaborative effort, and McNamee worked closely with Lisa Thornell, Dr. Rose, and the library staff to turn the idea into reality. "The library was the perfect place to hold it, and everything just took off from there," McNamee explained. "They were amazing. Christina McGowan, Lisa Thornell, Jen Mottolesse, and Dr. Rose were so encouraging and supportive. Their expertise and willingness to collaborate made the entire process smooth and enjoyable."
The exhibition’s curatorial process was refreshingly simple. "If you submitted something, it was included," McNamee said. "The only curatorial challenge was figuring out how to hang everything and display it in the best way possible. But with the help of my amazing team, we got it done."
The opening reception at the library was a huge success, bringing together a diverse crowd of students, faculty, and staff. "Seeing the community come together was the most rewarding part. People brought their families, friends, and colleagues, and the energy was amazing. The turnout exceeded my expectations, and it was heartwarming to see so many people enjoying the art," McNamee shared.
McNamee hopes that the exhibition will inspire others to embrace their creativity and consider new art initiatives for the future. "Art has the power to make people smile and uplift their spirits," he said. "I hope this event inspires more people to get creative and to connect with others in the art community. Who knows what kind of exciting, interactive art experiences could be next?"
