Centenary Spotlight on One Hundred Artists
Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) is gearing up for an exciting event that will showcase the work of local artists and further connect students, artists, and the Lehigh Valley community. The exhibition titled "Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists" will run from September 2, 2025, to May 22, 2026.
The ART275: Museum Collections and Exhibitions class, under the guidance of Director of LUAG and Professor of Practice in Art, Architecture, and Design, William Crow, will be responsible for selecting and purchasing local artworks for LUAG's collection. These artworks are expected to "speak to the times in which we live," as stated by William Crow.
The ART275 class, which was full as of June and had a waiting list, will use funds from Lehigh's Fine Arts Endowment and the Robin and Allan B. Kachel '71 Endowed Fund to make their purchases. The students will also interview artists who participated in the "Here and Now" exhibition.
The exhibition will take place in the main gallery and Zoellner Arts Center. To mark the beginning of the event, a kickoff event called "Light Up LUAG" is planned for September 19, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This free event includes artmaking, food, music, and other activities, aiming to bring the community together in celebration of local art.
According to Crow, LUAG's collection spans the globe and 5,000 years of art. The addition of the ART275 class's art purchases will be a part of LUAG's mission to serve as a go-to site for a wide range of experiences, connecting artists, neighbors, and people from all walks of life.
Crow emphasizes the importance of supporting local artists and creativity within the Lehigh Valley community. He hopes that the exhibition will help everyone gain a better understanding about what we value at this particular moment in time. He also reminds us that all art, even the most ancient, was once contemporary, created in a specific context and time, revealing what people were concerned about and interested in.
The exhibition will serve as the catalyst for a series of receptions, lectures, community workshops, and special events, ensuring a lively and engaging experience for all who attend. Don't miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant local art scene and support the Lehigh Valley community.
