Bringing Art to a Quiet Place

Have you had a chance to check out the exhibits in the Library’s RSM Art Gallery? For the past five years, Art Gallery Curator Hugh Wilburn has been bringing the displays, featuring the work of both regional artists and students, to campus to provide arts and culture to the community. Originally joining Bentley as the manager of access services in 2011, a role he retired from last June, Hugh added the responsibilities of curator after the gallery came under the management of the library in 2015.
 

With a B.A. in art history and studio art, the fit for Hugh was a natural one. While in college, he helped to coordinate his school’s art gallery and identify local artists to feature—experience that has served him well as Bentley’s curator. “The gallery has grown in recognition over the past few years,” said Hugh. “Between new artists and students, there is a lot of great art being brought to campus, which is important exposure for the Bentley community."

As the current exhibit, Lumen: Paintings by Roz Sommer, comes to a close on March 2, Hugh and the gallery are preparing for the next showcase, which will feature the work of a Bentley student. Kiana Kanoa ’20, founder and editor in chief of the online fashion publication HOKU Magazine, will show photographs that highlight a blend of sustainability and fashion. Kiana’s exhibit, co-sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, will run from March 5 to April 28. Stop by the RSM Gallery to check it out!

Apply for a Bentley Brave Mini-Grant

Did you know that the Office of Diversity and Inclusion awards grants to those who want to create opportunities for important dialogue on real-world experiences and differences? The grants, which are awarded to faculty, staff and students, can be used to cover expenses ranging from speaker fees and discussion supplies to film screening rights and art exhibitions.

Since launching in 2008, grants have been awarded to organizations on campus to increase awareness of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, and to enhance spiritual life and gender equity. Past grant-funded programs include a diversity trivia night for students, a field trip focused on African-American history in Boston and the Reject Stereotypes photo campaign. With review and approval by Bentley’s Diversity Council, the mini-grants program gives the community the opportunity to share their commitment to diversity and inclusion and to create more opportunities for authentic dialogue at Bentley.

Do you have a program you’d like to share with campus during the spring 2020 semester? Apply for a mini-grant before the March 6 deadline!  

If you have questions on the mini-grants program or application, contact Matt Banks in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at matthewbanks@bentley.edu.

Download the application