Students from Lehigh University Assume Curatorial Roles at Art Museum
Lehigh University Students Curate New Artworks for Campus Galleries
In the upcoming fall semester, Lehigh University students will have the opportunity to engage in a unique hands-on experience as they curate and select new artworks for the Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG). The course, ART275: Museum Collections and Exhibitions, is offered every-other year to undergraduate students from various majors.
This semester, 14 students participated in the course, embarking on a journey to identify gaps in LUAG's collection that could be filled by new pieces. The process involved researching current art trends, artists, and available works that align with the mission and collection goals of LUAG, studying the university’s collection history and curatorial priorities.
The students collaboratively reviewed potential artworks, often presented through galleries, artist submissions, or recommendations from faculty and museum professionals. They discussed the artistic merit, relevance, and significance of each work, considering criteria such as artistic quality, relevance, diversity, condition and preservation, and budget.
After extensive research and debate, the students submitted formal proposals for two pieces from Durham Press and Raven Fine Art Editions. Durham Press, a publisher of limited edition prints and multiples located in Durham, Pennsylvania, and Raven Fine Art Editions, a fine art print publisher based in Easton, Pennsylvania, provided the students with virtual visits to learn about potential artworks for purchase.
Ann Marshall led the virtual visit to Durham Press, while Curlee Raven Holton hosted the visit to Raven Fine Art Editions. The students were tasked with selecting a work of art that speaks to the current times. After careful consideration, they selected four works: Chitra Ganesh's "Architects of the Future", Hurvin Anderson's "Paradise", Curlee Raven Holton's "Hands Up, Nimbus" and "Spinning Glory".
The students' acquisition proposals resulted in these four new works of art being added to the Lehigh University art collection. Kate Goodwin '22 stated that representation and diversifying Lehigh's collection was a top priority for the students. Hannah Coleman, a student, mentioned that the virtual visits allowed her to examine each piece, learn about the artists, and understand the impact on the Lehigh community.
Purchasing a piece of art is also deciding which works deserve a place on the gallery walls, according to Rei Ukon '21. The four selected artworks will be displayed in the galleries in the fall semester with accompanying labels and text written by the students. This experiential process teaches students about museum acquisition practices, curatorial decision-making, and the responsibilities involved in building a university art collection.
The students worked throughout the semester to select new artworks for LUAG, working in teams to research, discuss, and debate potential works for acquisition. The students' hard work and dedication have not only enriched the university's art collection but also provided them with a valuable learning experience.
- In the realm of art, education, and self-development, the students' hard work in curating new artworks for Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) also involved extensive research on current art trends, artists, and available works, as part of their Museum Collections and Exhibitions course.
- As part of their lifestyle and personal growth, these Lehigh University students have contributed significantly to the university's arts and education-and-self-development sectors, by adding four carefully selected artworks to LUAG's collection, each piece serving as a testament to their curatorial skills and keen eye for contemporary art.
