Art helps us gain new perspectives.
Whether we are examining an ancient vessel from the other side of the globe, or pondering an abstract painting made recently in the Lehigh Valley, our encounters with art can be a window into others’ experiences and points of view. However, as we are increasingly aware, not all artworks, perspectives–or people–have been given the same attention in our museums. Important voices may be noticeably absent, and we continually recommit ourselves to bringing them to the fore.
This spring, we are honored to host the exhibition Young, Gifted, and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art, curated by Antwaun Sargent and Matt Wycoff. Located in our Main Gallery, and co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity and the Africana Studies Program, explore works by such world-renowned artists as Kara Walker, Mickalene Thomas, Kerry James Marshall, Jennifer Packer and many others. Attend our free public opening reception on Tuesday, February 22 to celebrate the work of these artists, and mark your calendars for a wide array of free education programs and events.
If you haven’t yet visited, be sure to view Hear Me Roar: Women Photographers, a multi-site exhibition of women photographers and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first class of undergraduate women at Lehigh. Also continuing this spring is Gloria Naylor: Other Places, presented in collaboration with Lehigh’s Humanities Center and The Gloria Naylor Archive. Naylor, a gifted storyteller and novelist, wrote about the beauty and complexity of black women’s lives, and is perhaps best known for her debut novel, The Women of Brewster Place.
As the warmer temperatures of spring arrive, explore the Outdoor Sculpture Collection through our new digital guide, integrated with Lehigh’s Campus Map. Using this guide on your smartphone browser, or by selecting “Art on Campus” in the Hawkwatch App Campus Map, visit over 30 artworks and watch videos created by Lehigh students that reveal unique interdisciplinary perspectives.
Last, we hope you will get more involved with LUAG by becoming a member! Members enjoy special programs, tours, guest experts, and receptions—all while supporting LUAG and its mission. Annual membership levels begin at just $20 for artists and educators. Lehigh students, faculty, and staff always receive free membership. Join us!
Let 2022 be a year of new beginnings and new perspectives. We look forward to seeing you at LUAG.
Warmly,
William B. Crow, Ph.D.
Director and Professor of Practice
Lehigh University Art Galleries