Abstract

Picture this: you are an elementary student- wandering around an art exhibition. On the wall hangs artwork you dedicated your time to. How does it make you feel? Art exhibitions of student work are a display practice implemented at the James F. Montpelier Gallery located at Ogdensburg Free Academy in Ogdensburg, New York. Such student-focused art exhibitions, historically, create a wonderful, inspirational, and impactful environment for students to display their finest works. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world by storm in 2020, the thematic shows shifted to assemblages of students’ best work. This is due to the limited time teachers had to put a show together, social distancing, lack of supplies, and the preparation of another widespread quarantine, like the one in 2020. However, this exhibition aims to revitalize the curated, themed, public art exhibition to emphasize the ability of an exhibition to boost student participation, self-esteem, and passion within the arts. The exhibition, “Finding Balance: Exploring our Relationship with Nature” will serve as a case study to answer the question: “How can a pre-K-12 art exhibition at Ogdensburg Free Academy influence students’ self-esteem and sense of identity through creative processes and peer recognition?” Researching my topic requires three main methodologies, including primary and secondary research on local demographics; history, and culture; the planning and execution of an exhibit; and community-engaged artistic practice. Involving student and teacher interviews, workshops, and projects. This research and project will culminate in the opening of the exhibition “Finding Balance: Exploring our Relationship with Nature” on May 1st, 2025, at the James F. Montpelier Gallery located at Ogdensburg Free Academy. Curating this show engages and celebrates students' art, gives the community a physical example of their learning progress, and validates students' hard work and dedication.

Publication Date

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Undergraduate

Degree Name

Museum Studies (BS)

College

College of Liberal Arts

Advisor

Juilee Decker

Advisor/Committee Member

Richard Newman

Advisor/Committee Member

Samaya Nasr

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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