Memorial Union’s Class of 1925 Gallery Showcases a Unique Exhibit
The Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Art Committee collaborated with UW-Madison students and Wisconsin Union members and guests to create the recent exhibit featured in the Class of 1925 Gallery. WUD Art is a student-run committee that programs shows in the Union’s two galleries: the Class of 1925 Gallery in Memorial Union and Gallery 1308 in Union South. The committee manages artist selections and installations as well as marketing efforts.
What is your name and position?
FP: I’m Francesca Pessarelli, and I am WUD Art’s summer coordinator, which means I do all of the logistical work behind the art exhibits. I put up the artwork, help with marketing efforts and help lead the committee during the summertime.
Tell us a bit about the exhibit that was featured in the Class of 1925 Gallery, “Backward and Forward: A Collective Introspection.”
FP: We really wanted to create a lighthearted exhibit that had to do with both the newly renovated Terrace and the Union, itself. To do this, we set out blank, white cards, some markers and other materials as well as a few prompt questions. Then we just sat back and let our visitors get creative!
What were some of the prompt questions?
FP: There were a wide variety of questions. We asked people anything from what their favorite experience was at the Union or the Terrace to what their hopes or fears were for the future. We also asked what advice they would give other students, what art means to them, and a few other interesting questions.
What was the goal of the exhibit or the message that it was trying to convey?
FP: We wanted to bridge the gap between art and everyday people. We often feature a lot of contemporary art, which can sometimes intimidate those who do not consider themselves art enthusiasts. This exhibit allowed everyone to interact with art and express themselves in their own ways. It also was about capturing the UW-Madison identity through a shared experience among people from all backgrounds.
What was your favorite part about this exhibit?
FP: It was really fun to see the wide range of people who got involved in the project. You could tell that some of the cards were made by children enjoying ice cream at the Terrace, while others were made by students worried about final exams. The variety of content in the cards was incredible, too. The cards we received ranged anywhere from happy to sad, simple to complex, comical to serious, and much more. It was really cool to see them all come together in the exhibit!
“Backward and Forward: A Collective Introspection” ran from April 8 to June 14 in the Class of 1925 Gallery, which is located on the second floor of Memorial Union. For more information about the Wisconsin Union’s galleries and WUD Art’s upcoming art exhibits, please visit https://union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/art-exhibits-and-galleries/.
