Nichols College broadens mission with art exhibition space
DUDLEY – With the help of two world-renowned artists, Nichols College is transforming blank wall space in its Academic Building into what school officials hope will be a revolving exhibit of paintings, photographs and more.
When newly appointed Nichols College President Glenn Sulmasy and his wife, Marla, arrived at the campus last summer, the first thing she noticed was that none of the buildings had any artwork.
“We had a faculty Senate meeting, and they said we need more art, more culture on campus,” Mrs. Sulmasy said. “We think it’s important for the students to be exposed to art, music. Just because it’s a business school doesn’t mean we don’t have students who enjoy art.”
The exhibit, which opened on Sept. 23 with an evening reception, features two artists from Connecticut, husband and wife Brian Keith Stevens and Pola Esther. An American painter, Stevens explores themes of nostalgia, nature and romance – often depictiing animals – using contrasting layers of paint. Esther, who was born in Poland, is a photographer and mixed media artist who uses bold colors to create striking images of intimacy, human connection and the feminine.
Originally from Old Lyme, Conn., Mrs. Sulmasy knew of Stevens, who splits his time there and Brooklyn, New York, with Esther. Having seen many of his works exhibited in the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Conn., Mrs. Sulmasy thought he would be a natural choice for Nichols’ first show and was thrilled when he accepted the opportunity, as well as when Esther decided to participate.
“I feel like every exhibit is a great opportunity,” Esther said. “I think it’s important to show your work. It doesn’t matter if the space is big or small. It’s just wonderful to have people see your work.”
While both Stevens and Esther are highly exhibited worldwide – their work has been on display throughout the United States as well as in France, Germany, Poland and Bulgaria and Italy – they enjoy sharing their artistry in areas other than galleries. Stevens also has exhibited in Denmark and Esther in China, and in addition, her work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, among other publications.
“We both do enjoy using different spaces,” Stevens said. “I think art is for everybody. My first exhibits were in coffee shops, not always in galleries in Soho, New York City, or Boston, Newbury Street.”
For the campus exhibit, the Sulmasys commissioned a painting by Stevens of an American bison, the college’s mascot, and Nichols also purchased a large painting of two swans, both of which will permanently hang in the Academic Building. The two works were unveiled at the opening reception, alongside many other works by Stevens, collectively titled “Almost True Tales.” In the exhibit – which also was on display last year at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum – Stevens depicts animals as mythical symbols across time and culture, using legends, fables and folk tales as inspiration.
Esther’s “Garden Party” exhibit at Nichols is a series of still life photographs depicting fruits, vegetables and flowers, in vibrant colors and mounted on metal, as a way of intensifying everyday surroundings.
“They came from my yard or what I found in my kitchen. Every day I would find this inspiration,” she said.
Stevens and Esther both attended the opening reception at Nichols, the first of its kind for the college and which, Mrs. Sulmasy said, was packed on both floors of the Academic Building.
“People were genuinely curious; it was a nice energy,” Stevens said of the reception. “It was very genuine, and people were very engaged. We both enjoyed it very much.”
“We’re just grateful for the college to give us the opportunity to show in that space and expose students,” Esther added.
When Nichols reopens from its winter break on Jan. 18, the exhibit will continue to be on display and open to the general public for viewing. It is the college’s hope, Mrs. Sulmasy said, that funds can be raised to allow Nichols to purchase some of the artwork to have on campus permanently.
“It’s nice they want to have some permanent pieces,” Esther said. “They will have it for the next generation.”
Mrs. Sulmasy also would like the college to host a different show every semester, as well as have guest artists come to teach a seminar or lead a paint night for students. “I think it would be good just to get messy and create. It would be good to express themselves on a canvas,” she said.
“Art is simply part of the academic experience, and it is essential for our students to enjoy an appreciation for all that art brings to culture, leadership, experience and higher education,” Mrs. Sulmasy added.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Nichols College broadens mission with art exhibition space
