Members of the McCallen Society mingle with students at the annual St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Science, Department of Art and Design, Student Thesis Exhibition.
May 10, 2017
A dynamic afternoon of art appreciation, blended with spirited socializing among students, faculty, alumni, and members of The McCallen and Loughlin Societies, highlighted the annual Student Thesis Exhibition on Saturday, April 22.
For the past seven years, the Department of Art and Design in St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has hosted its Student Thesis Exhibition at the Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs in Long Island City. This program offers seniors the chance to exhibit their artwork, which is a culmination of their four years at the University, as well as an opportunity to interact with alumni and donors. This year's theme was "Why it Matters."
The McCallen Society has collaborated with the department for the past six years to assist with outreach efforts to University alumni and donors. Susan M. Damiani '87CBA, Director of The McCallen Society and the Office of Gift Planning, said this event is an engaging way for alumni and donors to see student talent on display and support the University. Prior to the exhibit, The McCallen Society hosted a reception at Woodbines, a nearby restaurant that bustled with animated conversation, fueled by varied and delicious hors d'oeuvres.
For Aldona M. Gobuzas '50NDC, a McCallen member, it was her lifelong involvement in the art field which sparked her interest in this event, as well as her commitment to give back to the University. "I think it's important to support higher education—in fact, it's crucial," she said.
Belenna M. Lauto '81C, Chair of the Department of Art and Design, said that bringing alumni and students together for this event is the key to its success. "We actually have amazing alumni," Prof. Lauto said. "Some are creative directors at Nickelodeon, some work in the best agencies and publishing companies. They get really excited when we reach out to them, because they really want to give back and mentor the young people."
Brittany King '17C, a graphic design major who displayed her artwork at the exhibition, noted, "The importance of bringing the students and alumni together is to keep this cycle of school going. We all graduate, we all continue on, but if we're able to reach out, or reach back toward each other in a way, St. John's can grow."
Frances Hynes '66C, an alumna who majored in art and design, was in one of the department's first graduating classes and soon after became a professor at the University for five years. Her paintings are displayed in various museums, including the Brooklyn Museum and the Newark Museum. "I'm happy to say I've been successful as a painter—and I did get my start at St. John's," she said.
Ms. Hynes said that she looked forward to attending this event, as she attended it last year and was impressed by the students' artwork. "I'm very happy to be involved again, and I hope to meet more people and become involved in some of the programs at St. John's."
Paul Fabozzi, Professor of Fine Arts, spoke about the origins of the Student Thesis Exhibition. "The department was developing to a degree where many more students wanted to do more ambitious thesis projects. Instead of showing them on campus, we thought it would be better to show them in a gallery space that gave them a real sense of a professional experience."
Prof. Fabozzi added that he spent much time searching for a gallery that fit their needs—until he discovered the Dorsky Gallery. He instantly knew that he wanted to work with them. "They are amazing, and they understood very early on what St. John's was about," he said. "They really appreciate working with us."
Karen Dorsky, the gallery's owner, said that she looks forward to this event every year, even calling it the "happiest weekend in the year." "Because of all of the work that the faculty does in preparation, we approach the students the same way we would any artist in the gallery," Ms. Dorsky said. "I think one of the reasons why they feel a connection to the gallery is because we don't just close the door and walk away, we work with them."
The students' artwork included elaborate sculptures, detailed drawings, and interpretive videos and performances. Professors Lauto and Fabozzi presented students at the end of the exhibition with gifts in recognition of their efforts.
For more news, as well as live coverage of our events, follow the University's social media accounts. You can find us on Facebook at themccallensociety and stjohnsalumni, on Instagram at stjohnsalumni and on Twitter @stjohnsalumni.
To learn more about becoming a member of The McCallen Society and establishing your legacy through planned gifts to St. John's, please contact Susan M. Damiani at 718-990-7562 or [email protected], or visit The McCallen Society webpage.