Regis, a leading Catholic university in Greater Boston, is pleased to announce that a select group of graduate students has stepped outside of the classroom to curate an exhibition of sculptures created by world-renowned artist Nancy Schön.
Schön, famous for creating the "Make Way for Ducklings" sculpture in the Boston Public Garden, is giving back to the institution that gave her one of her first opportunities to exhibit her work to the public years ago. In 1977, Sister M. Louisella Walters, then chair of the Regis Art Department, graciously granted Schön's request to display her work at Regis' art gallery.
"Regis has grown so much," said Schön. "The opportunities they offer their students are marvelous. I'm so proud and touched that I was asked to work with these wonderful students as they curate an exhibition of my work."
"Schön uses her public art displays to teach a lesson, so it is fitting that she would use her sculptures to teach university students a lesson on creating an art exhibit," said Dr. Kathryn Edney, assistant professor of History Heritage Studies at Regis.
The students in the Museum Practicum course spent the fall 2016 semester working closely with Schön. They traveled to her studio in West Newton to identify and select pieces for the exhibit, determined how the sculptures would be displayed and planned the exhibition that will take place in the Regis Fine Arts Center. After creating a catalog and writing labels, the students installed the exhibition with the guidance of Dr. Edney. The exhibition, named Metamorphosis, opens to the public on January 30 and can be viewed until April 24 in the Carney Gallery in the Fine Arts Center at Regis. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment by calling 781.768.7034.
"Metamorphosis is perfect because it talks about the past and the future," said Schön. "I cast a large butterfly specifically for this exhibit because it, much like the evolution of Regis - speaks to transformation."
"We are honored to work so closely with Nancy to create a once-in-a-lifetime exhibit," said Brad Moore, a graduate student in the Heritage Studies program. "It's a privilege to be able to display her never-before seen sculptures at Regis. We're grateful for the experience and opportunity."
"This is another example of how Regis is continuing to create the classroom without walls," said Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN, president of Regis. "It is so valuable and important for our students to gain real-life experiences and I'm thankful to Nancy Schön for giving Regis students this wonderful opportunity."
Media is welcome to attend the gallery opening on Thursday, February 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. Nancy Schön, Professor Edney and the student curators will be available then for interviews or by contacting Kelley Tuthill at 781.768.7244.
