51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú

Research and Internships: The Art and Science of Art Conservation

In 2004, inspired by the 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Landscape and Architectural Blueprint Committee’s recommendation to preserve the historic character of the campus, Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery Director Mary MacNaughton ’70 spearheaded a massive restoration of the eight relief sculptures that adorn the exterior walls of Sycamore Court and Balch Hall, each depicting a seminal scene from eight of William Shakespeare’s plays. Created in 1932 by British-born American sculptor John Gregory, these plaster reliefs were models for marble sculptures that grace the exterior of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. To undertake this massive project, MacNaughton hired expert Donna Williams, head of Williamson Conservation, in Los Angeles.

Spotlight on Students: Kyla Smith ’20 Receives Critical Language Scholarship

Born in China and raised in Hawaii by her adoptive parents, Kyla Smith ’20 has sought ways to connect with her birth country. As a 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú student, she has lately been exploring her identity and heritage through her coursework, double majoring in Asian American studies and Asian studies and enrolling in Mandarin language classes. This summer, Smith plans to fully immerse herself in Chinese language and culture, having received a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Mandarin in Xi’an, China, for two months, beginning in late June.

Awards and Honors: Mellon Foundation Awards $800,000 to 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Interdisciplinary Humanities Initiatives

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded $800,000 to 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú in Claremont, Calif., for support of the College’s Interdisciplinary Humanities Initiative. The three-part initiative provides funding for summer undergraduate research fellowships, professional development for faculty, and new clinic courses that will pair faculty and students with community organizations throughout greater Los Angeles to address complex community issues using a humanistic approach.

Spotlight on Students: Perrin York ’19 Wins Outstanding Soloist Award at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella

Standing on stage in front of an audience of 3,000 at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA), Perrin York ’19 “didn’t know if I was crying or wanted to cry.” She had just been awarded Outstanding Soloist for her rendition of “Greedy” by Ariana Grande.  “At that moment, I felt so humbled and couldn’t understand the magnitude of the award,” she recalls.

Ken Gonzales-Day to Participate in Vancouver Biennale’s “re-IMAGE-n” Arts and Culture Initiative

51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Professor of Art Ken Gonzales-Day is among a prestigious selection of international artists whose work will be featured at the Vancouver Biennale in its fourth edition exhibition, “re-IMAGE-n,” which begins this month, and continues with new installations through June 2020.

For 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú’ third National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Award in a row, Associate Professor of Music Anne Harley will serve as the artistic director for the commission of a musical composition that sets texts from the Acts of Paul and Thecla to an original score for a vocal and instrumental ensemble. Harley has led all three NEA grants.

Spotlight on Academics: Senior Art Exhibition: Rooms of Our Own

The Senior Art Exhibition is a cornerstone of the studio art major at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú. Each year, the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery features artworks by graduating seniors that constitute their thesis projects. In addition to making the works on view, the seniors conceptualize the exhibition, install their pieces, draft artist statements and wall texts, and publicize the event.

Bringing the Outside Inside: Professor Nancy Macko’s New Tapestry, Lola’s Garden, Comes to NEW Hall

NEW Hall, 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú’ newest residence hall, is home to 110 students and, now, a one-of-a-kind jacquard tapestry designed by Professor of Art Nancy Macko. Installed on a large, previously empty wall in the living room, the 6-by-12-foot tapestry is not only a beautiful addition to the building, but it also carries on the tradition of displaying tapestries and artwork by 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú professors on campus.

The 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Experience: The Clark Humanities Museum

At the Clark Humanities Museum, students augment in-classroom learning by encountering original works of art and other cultural objects. The museum was established at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú in 1970 as a study space and exhibition venue for explorations in the humanities. Its exhibitions often reflect the current curriculum, with faculty and students from across the 5Cs invited to submit proposals that relate to classes, programs, or research interests.

Alison Saar ’78 Presents an Exhibition of New Work

51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú alum Alison Saar ’78 opened an exhibition of new work on March 29 at L.A. Louver Gallery in Los Angeles. Taking inspiration from the character of Topsy in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s classic Civil War–era novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Saar re-contextualizes the slave girl as a symbol of defiance in paintings on dyed vintage linens and sculptures carved from wood. The exhibition, titled “Topsy Turvy,” runs until May 12.