How do civic and community issues inform and influence art—and how does art inform how we respond to the issues facing our communities? Explore how art informs and spotlights the role of personal action and community impact at The Little Things Art Exhibition.
It’s the first-ever student-art exhibit for the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement.
With 30 student artists, there will be a variety of mediums—ranging from fabric/woven pieces to tile sculptures, photography, and more. All of these works will call Stix House their home for two weeks, starting with a reception on opening night, Friday, March 31 until closing night, Tuesday, April 18. The closing night will also be a collaboration with Civic Café to foster discussion on the intersection of art and civic engagement.
The community is also welcome to come to Stix House between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to view the exhibition.
The event is being organized by junior Laura Weil and Gephardt’s own Student Engagement Specialist Sophie Devincenti. Last December, Weil approached Devincenti with the idea of hosting an event that prompts us to ponder how we appreciate and observe the little things in our lives.
“The idea of ‘the little things’ has been floating around in my mind for some time now,” Weil said. “With recovery from the pandemic and my own struggles with my mental health, sometimes the only way to get through a bad day or week is to focus on the smaller moments—whether those be sunlight hitting the tree leaves, wearing earrings I got from a childhood friend, or listening to a song that just feels right that day.”
The two also were inspired by the location of Stix House and Gephardt as a host, and as a result, the event includes a community and civic engagement lens through socially engaged practices. Weil is putting together her own piece, an interactive work that will link all of the artwork together through conversational prompts—which visitors will write about on a notecard and add to a running community board.
For Devincenti, “The Little Things” will be an opportunity for students’ art to not only get the presence they deserve, but to bring together artists and community alike.
“Art has always helped create community and provide a snapshot of how society is impacted by social and community issues,” said Devincenti. “It’s a natural fit for the Gephardt Institute to host this show and showcase these amazing student artists.”
To RSVP for the Opening Night event on March 31, click here.