On View and Upcoming
On Display: The Art, Science, and Significance of Specimens
February 14 - March 30, 2024
When most people think of taxidermy, hunting trophies and oddities come to mind. Developed by student-curator PJ Squire (’24, Biology and Museum Studies), this exhibition explores the history and scientific significance of specimens in Natural History museums and collections, from specimen preparation, to dioramas, and public and research usefulness. Specimens are an invaluable part of Natural History and other science-minded museums; these institutions would not be able to serve their purpose without them.
Maya Project
March 6 – April 13, 2024
The Maya Project celebrates a rescue dog through the genre of pet portraiture. Maya is a rescue dog that, upon adoption as a puppy, had several potentially fatal health issues. To celebrate Maya's good health on her first birthday, friends created portraits in their choice of media limited only by size to honor how tiny she was as a puppy. Over the last two years, the Maya Project has expanded to over three dozen contributions by artists that met Maya in person or through social media. Watch for community-oriented programming and participate!
Image: Maya Project. Credit: Emily Dimov-Gottshall. Maya with Elk Bones, 2021. Acrylic paint and oil markers on wood. Collection of Sue Uhlig.
CAPSTONE/LAS IN THE MUSEUM
April 18 – May 1, 2024
Senior Studio Art Capstone students exhibit their work in a formal group show in one gallery, while in the other gallery, art students at all levels contribute to this annual celebration of creativity for Liberal Arts Symposium.
PREVIOUSLY THIS YEAR…
Yours | Truly: The JCMA Collection
January 31 - February 14, 2024
The JCMA Collection is YOURS. This unique annual project transfers the reins of the museum to a selected group of students, college staff, or college faculty to select what we put on view and share their thoughts and way of connecting to the objects. Community response is as important as the art work in Yours | Truly.
Raystown at 50
October 25 - December 7, 2023
October 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the completion of Raystown Lake; June 2024 marks the formal dedication. The JCMA kicks off a year of community-wide celebrations with an exhibition that explores Raystown from many points of view - aesthetic, environmental, and recreational. Developed and installed by Museum Studies Practicum class.
Image: Steven A. Barbash (American 1933 – 2016). Old Dam at Raystown Lake, 1965-70. Oil on Canvas. Gift of Sandra Daum.
Souls Shot Portrait Project
September 13 - November 16, 2023
This project links fine artists with families or friends of victims of gun violence. The artists meet with the victims' loved ones to learn about the lives they lived. The goal is to present diverse works that in some way relay graphically, or through narrative, the essence of the person being portrayed. The mission is to bring attention to and memorialize the lives lost and tragically altered due to gun violence. Portraits have the unique ability to call out the souls and profoundly affect those who see them. Souls Shot Portrait Project is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation; installation and programming by Museum Studies Practicum class.
Amusing Stories & Cautionary Tales
Through October 7
Art works can change our mood. Art works can help us to explore our thoughts and perspectives more deeply. They document reality. They veer into fantasy. They inspire; they warn. Explore the possibilities in this story-telling based group of objects spanning over 400 years.
Images: Detail, Jacques Callot/Israël Silvestre the younger (French). Temptation of St. Anthony, 1635. Etching. Gift of Robert E. Wagoner, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy. Image: Edouard Manet (French, 1832-1883). Le Chat et les Fleurs. Etching and aquatint. Image: Julie Blackmon (American, b. 1966). Before the Storm, 2007. Archival pigment print. Gift of Miriam Ellsworth in memory of William Bratton and Helen Bratton ('39).
