The President’s Art Commission
Alumni, donors, and friends of the College reconnect with Wheaton through the visual arts.
Words: Juliana Bacote ’24
Photos: Kayla Smith
Since its inception in 2012, the President’s Art Commission has provided opportunities for campus-wide engagement with the visual arts through acquiring and installing individual pieces or galleries throughout campus. Each project helps enhance the spiritual and educational goals of the College. The commission aims to showcase art that reflects the diversity of human experience and the breadth and depth of the kingdom of God.
“Art is relational,” said Professor of Art David Hooker, the current chair. “Yes, the objects are important, but in a way, the objects are important because they develop relationships. Viewers connect to the artist through their artwork and connect to each other through the artwork, too.”
An art department faculty member typically leads the commission, comprising representatives from Student Development, Facilities, the Senior Administrative Cabinet, and the student body. This year, the commission’s primary goal is to increase opportunities for connection between members of the campus community, alumni, and donors. This will be accomplished through docent tour offerings, new exhibitions, and artist lectures.
The relationships formed through the commission’s work over the past 13 years have inspired gratitude among its members. “We want to thank all of the people—including students, faculty, alumni, donors, and guest artists—who have made this happen,” said Dr. Michael Wilder, Dean of the Conservatory of Music and Division of Arts and Communication. “As we anticipate what’s coming next, we ultimately want to thank God for offering us these avenues to praise him through that which is visual.”
As a result of this year’s relational focus, most of the President’s Art Commission’s recent and upcoming projects place a spotlight on alumni from Wheaton’s art department. Events during the fall included an exhibition called “Attention Bridge” by the Dovetail Practice, a ceramics studio led by Joshua Smith ’98 and Margaret Park Smith ’98. Upcoming events in the spring will include an exhibition by Cayce Zavaglia ’94, a textile artist and painter based in Saint Louis.
