AS IT WAS: THE SHOW THAT NEVER HAPPENED

Schmidt Center Gallery, Boca Raton:
Opening reception: April 20
from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
On view: April 21 through June 20, 2023 

As studio art majors, students work towards an undergraduate thesis exhibition during senior year. In this exhibition, graduating students have the opportunity to showcase the culmination of the skills they have gathered throughout their studies. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic robbed our 2020-2021 graduates from the opportunity of a live audience. Despite the challenges of online classes, students continued to make exceptional work throughout this time – work that was not able to be shown in a gallery setting. When in-person events were welcomed back, University Galleries staff Natalie Luong and Paris Valladares proposed to extend invitations to all studio art students who graduated during this time for an opportunity to come back to FAU and show their work.

 
“As It Was: the show that never happened” is a juried selection of artworks from 14 FAU alumni, including both curators. Although it is not typical for curators to show their own work in a show, unprecedented times allow for non traditional practices. The world is not the same as it was before the Covid-19 pandemic, but we have learned to adjust and grow. FAU’s studio art programs are dedicated to preparing practicing studio artists for advanced study and a career in art, which includes the chance to install and showcase their work.

The exhibition, curated by BFA graduates Natalie Luong and Paris Valladares, will feature work by both curators and the following 12 FAU alumni:

Michael Andress • Daniel Bartholomew • Dalmo De Assis Jr. • Jackie Corodimas • Kalina Dones • Helen Edmunds • Lexi Fernandez • Riivo Kruuk • Richard Rodriguez • Brianna Sopourn • Bree Stanley • Ethan Vogt

 
“As It Was: the show that never happened” was collaboratively organized and installed by University Galleries staff and interns: Véronique Côté, Kristin Beck, Andrew Burt, Isaiah Etienne, and Hailee Sova. Helen Edmunds and Giselle Bentacourt of the University Galleries’ Museum Education Program have organized related activities and Teacher’s Guides.