Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art Showcases Community Response to Art Inspired by the Permanent Collection

First developed as an invitation to share unknown objects with the campus community, the exhibition features eleven unique responses from faculty, staff, and scholars to objects in the permanent collection. Ranging from discarded books to paintings by California artists, the exhibition pulls creativity to the forefront of the interpretive experience with animation, tactile boards, miniatures, fauna, and choreography. The one work not a part of the permanent collection speaks specifically to student experience and growth, in the form of a quilt designed by Saint Mary’s College of California students as part of a Jan Term course working with the local organization, Social Justice Sewing Academy (SJSA). 

“Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art was awarded reaccreditation with the American Alliance of Museums in Fall 2021. Through the reaccreditation process, we recognized that the campus community is unaware of the breadth of work we care for; this exhibition invites conversation and promotes awareness of lesser-known objects in our permanent collection. It nurtures our SMC community post-Covid and creates opportunities for voices across campus to be heard and valued,” states Museum Director Lauren M. MacDonald.

Both the sources of inspiration and the newly created response pieces are on view in the exhibition. “This juxtaposition opens up a dialogue exploring how art can inspire and integrate into learning and different ways of knowing. It also facilitates an avenue to share the depth of the collection and see how voices today are empowered to reshape the narrative of these objects,” explains exhibition organizer Britt Royer. 

SMCMoA’s opening celebration reception will be held on September 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. A live response performance, choreographed by Professor and collaborator Jia Wu, will be performed at 6 p.m. Free drinks and beverages will be provided.

With this project, SMCMoA seeks to further build strong connections between the art museum and the college’s departments. The permanent collection provides an entry point to explore various aspects of history and culture. By showcasing diverse ways to interpret and inspire, Interdisciplinary Voice will act as a model for creative curriculum growth and as a call for continued engagement. Contributing voices include Jyoti Bachani, Brother David L. Caretti, Ann Drevno, Lydia Greer, Jennifer Kulbeck, Everett Louis, Jeremy Rourke, Suzanne Schmidt, Djenba Skye Ward, Jia Wu, and Gina Zetts. 

The exhibition is on display on Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Programs and Admission are free for all. Public tours begin September 21, 2022, on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Please contact the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art at 925-631-4397 or email museum@stmarys-ca.edu for further inquiries. More information can be found at www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum. 

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