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 �¼��ϲʿ��.”

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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ��.

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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ��. “There really is no better place for me to be going to school.”

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� 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.

�¼��ϲʿ�� has commissioned an artist for each of the past six years to paint the campus landmark named after former �¼��ϲʿ�� Foundation member Carolyn (Van Buskirk) Turchon, ’62.

Cushman currently works as an elementary art teacher in Rockland and is the first �¼��ϲʿ�� 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, �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ��.

“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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ��’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, �¼��ϲʿ��’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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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 �¼��ϲʿ�� 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

Art Matters

JFINKELSTEIN@bridgew.edu — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:07:13 +0000

Art Matters JFINKELSTEIN@b… Mon, 11/28/2022 - 13:07

From Shakespeare’s birthplace, to Columbia University, to �¼��ϲʿ��, the work of sculptor Greg Wyatt mixes the real and the magical

October 28, 2022

John Winters, G’11

Story Series

Bridgewater Magazine

Seven years ago, when local resident, art collector and �¼��ϲʿ�� benefactor Lawrence Doherty moved three sculptures from Harvard University to a studio in upstate New York, he had no idea he was forging a connection that would soon transform �¼��ϲʿ��’s campus.

The sculptures were the work of Hudson Valley artist Greg Wyatt. They had been displayed since 1990 in Harvard University’s Winthrop House Courtyard. However, upcoming renovations meant that in 2016 the art had to go back to its creator. During the move, Mr. Wyatt and Mr. Doherty struck up a friendship. At some point, Mr. Doherty asked the artist what he planned to do with the returning sculptures. “He asked me if I had any leads yet,” Mr. Wyatt recalled during a Zoom call over the summer. “Then he asked, ‘How about �¼��ϲʿ��?’”

The following April, with the help of Jay Block, �¼��ϲʿ��’s associate director of collections and exhibitions, the courtyard between Maxwell Library and the student union became home to one of the works: a life-size bronze sculpture of the legendary ballet dancer and actor Mikhail Baryshnikov captured in flight, as it were.

This September, what began with that one statue has evolved into the Greg and Fay Wyatt Sculpture Garden, a beautiful site full of works by Mr. Wyatt. Along with the Baryshnikov sculpture are 15 bas reliefs devoted to poets and their relationships to dance, and four ancient river goddesses.

“The idea was to exhibit the poetry of women, and these goddesses each have different symbols, from Italy, China and India, and that is what we’ve attached to the beautiful feminine figure.”

The 72-year-old artist learned how to draw and paint from his father. That alone was life altering. But in the mid-1960s, when the Wyatt family traveled to Mexico and visited the region once occupied by the Mayans, a young Greg Wyatt was surveying the Palenque Ruins and realized that art wasn’t limited to just two dimensions.

“That planted the seeds for my career,” he said.

He went on to combine a love of the Great Books (especially Shakespeare) and elements of ancient mythology with a sculpting style that at least one fan has compared to Rodin. “Wyatt emulates the sculpture of the Western world with contemporary vision,” said Sir Stanley Wells, former chairman of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, who was instrumental in acquiring eight large pieces by Mr. Wyatt that are now on display at the playwright’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon in England. Indeed, much of Mr. Wyatt’s sculpture finds its roots in the best the Western hemisphere has to offer in drama, poetry, philosophy and fables.

The artist’s other big-time credits include the Peace Fountain and children’s garden at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York City (Mr. Wyatt is its artist-in-residence), and several high-profile pieces at his alma mater, Columbia University, as well as works in national parks and in museums around the country. His sculptures can also be found in the halls of Congress, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and on countless campuses.

Mr. Wyatt would no doubt count among his many achievements his work as an educator at the Newington-Cropsey Foundation Academy of Art in his native Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. His goal is to equip his students with the skills they need, but then let them find their own inspiration and style. “Here at the academy, we teach individual originality,” he said. “It’s their choice as to which path they go on. The one thing I can’t teach is creativity.”

Through his connection with �¼��ϲʿ��, Mr. Wyatt plans to host student interns from the university who will work with him in his studio and at the foundry where his bronze castings are fired. He’s also been invited to speak to �¼��ϲʿ�� classes; an invitation he is happy to accept.

Mr. Block, whose work over the past decade has made the campus a showcase of interesting and impactful artwork, places a high value on Mr. Wyatt’s work, as well as his approach to art in general.

“He is an amazing individual who really places front and center his belief in art as a tool to better humanity,” he said. “Education, art, culture are essentials to making a healthier environment for all of us, and he is one of my favorite people and has been an excellent partner in building a cultural center for our campus. His generosity and belief in our little community is humbling.”

The final pieces of �¼��ϲʿ��’s sculpture garden are expected to be put in place in the spring. It tops off what is easily one of the most unique collections of public art in the area.

“Some people will like the sculpture, and some will not and that’s fine,” Mr. Block said. “I think that’s the democratic way. My hope is that they’ll find the beauty of nature in the garden and that they will take away what they will from the sculptures. And maybe some of them will be inspired to be artists.

For more information about Mr. Wyatt and his work, log on to gregwyattsculpture.com. The Newington-Cropsey Foundation is the donor of the sculptures.

Wyatt emulates the sculpture of the Western world with contemporary vision.

Sir Stanley Wells

former chairman of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

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Arts

Staging Change

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:41:49 +0000

Staging Change BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 11/15/2022 - 08:41

Theater production highlights climate-related topics

November 15, 2022

Brian Benson

Many theatrical performances are known for their lavish sets and costumes that often end up in the trash when a show closes. But �¼��ϲʿ�� thespians are taking an environmentally friendly approach.

For Lighting the Way, an upcoming series of short plays about climate change, students are using limited sets and costumes – and making them from existing materials. Even the paint is left over from past productions while props are made of waste cardboard. And the program is just one page with a digital supplement.

“We’re in an artistic practice that has historically not been kind to the Earth,” said Kyle Imbeau, ’23, a theatre arts major and women and gender studies minor from Fairhaven. “This is an important thing for us to be reflecting on as artists.”

From Nov. 17 to 20, Kyle and their classmates in Associate Professor Miranda Giurleo’s Laboratory Theatre class will present Lighting the Way in the Rondileau Student Union Auditorium. The students selected 16 plays from an anthology of 49 pieces commissioned for the global theater festival Climate Change Theatre Action 2019. The plays highlight people who are striving for a more sustainable future.

“We had a lot of conversations in class about how we do this in a way that leaves the audience with hope,” Giurleo said. “How do we do this in a way that doesn’t seem to be just for optics?”

The minimalist set challenges students to think differently, but also presents an opportunity to connect with audience members who will be more focused on the actors, said Kaylin DiAntonio, ’24, a theater arts and psychology major from Carver.

“Everything that we do is done with intent,” Kaylin said. “Everything we do has such profound purpose that you can’t help but be drawn in.”

Some plays feature spoken word poetry, a style that connects ZZ McRae’s academic studies in theater and creative writing.

“This course has been able to really mesh both of my passions together, and I’m so happy,” said ZZ, a member of the Class of 2023 from Brockton.

Laboratory Theatre gives students a hands-on experience on stage and behind the scenes similar to the work of a professional theater company.

Lighting the Way marks the seventh show at �¼��ϲʿ�� for which Kyle is the dramaturg, a position responsible for conducting research and providing context about the play for actors and the audience. Kyle appreciates having these experiences as an undergraduate because they aims to become a professional dramaturg.

Kyle took on the dramaturg responsibilities to fulfill an Honors Program requirement. Fellow honors student Madison Bradbury, ’23, composed several songs for the production.

“I’ve always enjoyed writing music,” said Madison, a theater arts major from East Bridgewater. “I’ve never had proper mentorship and space to do it. Here, I was given all the mentorship.”

Madison hopes the audience leaves inspired to make a difference in improving the environment.

“Even the smallest thing can help,” Madison said. “I hope this starts a chain reaction.”

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

We’re in an artistic practice that has historically not been kind to the Earth. This is an important thing for us to be reflecting on as artists.

Kyle Imbeau, ’23

Tags

Arts

Honors Program

Sustainability

Photos by Artie Universe, '23

A Fresh Coat

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 17:51:01 +0000

A Fresh Coat BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 09/23/2022 - 13:51

Graduate student's creative touch transforms ECC bear statue

September 29, 2022

Brian Benson

Sam Cushman, ’19, G’23, has quite the back-to-school tale for her Rockland elementary school art students: She spent her summer working with a giant bear.

Sam painted one of the fiberglass statues scattered across the �¼��ϲʿ�� campus.

“It was a really cool opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” said Sam, who earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and secondary education and is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in teaching visual arts. “It’s very surreal to walk on campus and see my own work not just in a classroom but in the wild.”

�¼��ϲʿ�� selected Sam to repaint the bear by East Campus Commons after it was damaged. She drew inspiration from the array of native plants in Massachusetts and worked in black and white as an homage to printmaking, which is her artistic medium of choice.

“I wanted to highlight the biodiversity of Massachusetts, which correlates to the diversity we can find on the �¼��ϲʿ�� campus,” she said.

Sam worked under the guidance of Jay Block, �¼��ϲʿ��’s associate director of collections and exhibitions. Block worked with Operations staff to repair damage to the bear and solicited proposals from students interested in repainting it.

“It’s tremendously important. It gives them real-life experience,” Block said of involving students in a project that prepares them to seek public art grants on their own. “It’s a really transferable experience in a controlled setting.”

Just like a professional artist, Sam worked within a budget and schedule. She is the second �¼��ϲʿ�� student to paint a bear, following in the tracks of Kayla DaCosta, ’21.

Block is impressed with how Sam incorporates mature themes into her work and brought a new dimension to the bear statues by painting the first one in black and white.

She started by researching native plants and making drawings. After the bear was transported to her yard, Sam projected the drawings onto the statue to ensure that they fit. She painted as curious neighbors stopped by to see her unusual project.

Sam’s budding elementary school artists were amazed to learn their teacher makes art as well as instructs them. Sam told them her success shows how hard work and dedication to her craft pays off.

She hopes that same message rings true for �¼��ϲʿ�� students who see the statue.

“Hopefully seeing a student paint a bear like that is cool,” Sam said. “They’ll realize students just like them can have opportunities like that.”

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

It was a really cool opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. It’s very surreal to walk on campus and see my own work not just in a classroom but in the wild.

Sam Cushman, ’19, G’23

Tags

Arts

Tunnel Vision

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:23:05 +0000

Tunnel Vision HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 08/29/2022 - 10:23

California street-artist brightens campus with latest mural

August 30, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

There’s a place on campus that’s bursting with color that’s sure to draw attention and be the next hot spot for selfies this fall.

An internationally recognized artist, who goes by the name Free Humanity, is the latest painter to create a mural inside of �¼��ϲʿ��’s Turchon Tunnel.

The tunnel is a landmark at �¼��ϲʿ�� that connects the West and East campuses. It is named after former Bridgewater State Foundation member Carolyn (Van Buskirk) Turchon, ’62.

This marks the fifth year �¼��ϲʿ�� has commissioned an artist to create a mural inside the tunnel.

For his design, Free Humanity used his trademark hearts and vibrant colors to cover not only the walls of the tunnel, but the ceiling as well.

“Colors make people feel things, it’s always my goal to uplift people. There is enough suffering in the world, and I believe art can play a major role in uplifting people and the community,” the California-based street-artist said.

Internationally recognized, Free Humanity got his start with small street pieces in Los Angeles that eventually turned into large scale murals around the country.

His art reflects his mission statement: “Taking back the Humanity stolen from our minds by social manipulation and plant seeds of positivity through art and consciousness.”

�¼��ϲʿ�� Associate Director of Collections and Exhibitions Jay Block knew he wanted to hire Free Humanity for this project because in many ways this fall represents the first “normal” semester since COVID-19 hit three years ago.

“After the darkness that we experienced, it’s really important to have a bright, welcoming ray of hope,” Block said.

When Block started the tunnel mural project five years ago, his goal was to create a space activated with color that made people smile.

“If you can stop somebody for just a second and change their day, that’s really a win and a phenomenal thing art can do,” Block said.

As far as having their artwork painted over every year, Block said, for street artists, that’s often par for the course.

“All of these artists understand that that the pieces become tired and have a life, that a new piece comes in and it’s part of a tradition,” he said.

Free Humanity said there is a certain beauty in knowing that his artwork has a shelf life.

“You have to learn to make things and let them go, that’s part of life. Change is not necessarily a negative thing, change can be good,” he said.

“I also think when you see something that might not be there tomorrow, you appreciate it more,” he said. “That’s the nature of life. You might not be here the next day. I try to be like that in my art.”

While his artwork is on display, Free Humanity hopes those who view it when walking through the tunnel feel joyful and inspired.

“I hope it becomes something that can brighten somebody’s day, even if it’s only for two seconds,” he said.

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Yes

Colors make people feel things, it’s always my goal to uplift people. There is enough suffering in the world, and I believe art can play a major role in uplifting people and the community.

Free Humanity

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Arts

Photos by Daniela Gonzalez

Finally Heard

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 18:41:37 +0000

Finally Heard HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 07/25/2022 - 14:41

Music professor shines light on forgotten women composers of WWII

July 26, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

This summer, Dr. Deborah Nemko will try and reintroduce the world to some historic sheet music that has long been hidden in archives in the Netherlands.

Using a grant from the Musicians Club of Women, Nemko looks to record the piano music created by suppressed and forgotten women composers of WWII.

“I hope people become more aware of these women composers and what was going on in the world at that time,” Nemko said. “The goal is to promote the music and have people, hopefully, learn about and appreciate something they have never heard before.”

During WWII, female Jewish composers were not allowed to perform or publish their works. Sadly, many of these women were captured by the Nazis and taken to concentration camps where they were murdered.

Which is why today most of their music exists only in manuscript and few, if any, recordings have been made, Nemko said, adding the composers she is recording, fortunately survived the war.

“I see this project as another opportunity to preserve and promote music many people have forgotten…it’s the right thing to do,” she said.

The �¼��ϲʿ�� music professor has always been passionate about music’s role in society, a topic often discussed in her classes.

Music can bring about recognition and change, Nemko said.

“And at a time where we are seeing antisemitism on the rise, where there is so much hostility against differences...I worry that we are heading toward a similar time,” she said.

Which is why this project is important to her.

“When I lose momentum, I realize it’s so important to keep working on this, it’s so connected to what’s going on in the present,” she said.

This fall, the Bridgewater State community will get the chance to hear the results of Nemko’s project as she plans to host a concert on campus.

She will also share her research and perform for her �¼��ϲʿ�� students. Beyond that, she is planning a sabbatical to extend the project.

“I plan to research music (created) in transit camps. These were camps that were on the way to concentration camps in the Netherlands,” Nemko said.

She hopes the project sparks an interest within the �¼��ϲʿ�� community and that people continue to recognize the importance of music and the role it plays in society and education.

“Music is a very human experience and it’s our nature as human beings to want to express ourselves,” Nemko said.

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Music is a very human experience and it’s our nature as human beings to want to express ourselves.

Dr. Deborah Nemko

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