"State Fair," by Madeline Schoonover BFA Art, Media, and Design, Concentration in Studio Art, is one of five student art pieces that will be on display in Munroe Hall. (DePaul University/Madeline Schoonover)
In its second year, the "Art in the Halls" initiative has brought student artwork to the walls of another residence hall. The project, a partnership between the Department of Housing and the Department of Art, Media and Design within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, builds a connection to residential spaces while letting students see artwork from others within the DePaul community.
"The continuation of this partnership has expanded further the visibility of student artwork across campus in the second display location in Munroe Hall - and the student work installed looks great," says Mary Ann Papanek-Miller, professor and chair in the Department of Art, Media and Design.
"Victorian Red," by Claire Cardot. (DePaul University/Claire Cardot)
The four pieces of student art from 2017 currently hang in Clifton-Fullerton Hall, and the goal is to add more student work each year in a different hall.
A judging panel featuring representatives from the Department of Housing, Residential Education, the DePaul Art Museum, the Student Government Association and Residence Hall Council narrowed student submissions from more than 50 pieces down to five. This year also featured a guest judge: Josephine Esteban, the wife of DePaul President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D.
Mrs. Esteban first heard about Art in the Halls during a campus tour. "My ears perked up. My husband and I also collect art," Mrs. Esteban says, noting that she enjoyed the various steps of judging. "Each phase is a favorite. The entire process allows me to connect with the students at a personal level. Each piece of art is an expression of the individual's past, culture, feelings and struggles. I am so proud of our DePaul students."
Papanek-Miller notes that this year's selections added new works in painting, printmaking, drawing and mixed media to the growing student art collection. The finalists' work ranged from an abstract landscape to screen-printed and painted images, spanning themes from identity and beauty standards to fairytales.
The pieces are currently on display in Munroe Hall, and the artists will be recognized with a small reception on May 24. All five pieces can also be viewed on
the Art, Media and Design website.
"Beautiful," by Whytne Stevens. (DePaul University/Whytne Stevens)
"La Princessa," by Monica Martinez. (DePaul University/Monica Martinez)
Untitled, by Gareth Kaye. (DePaul University/Gareth Kaye)