Art

Paws for Fun

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:30:14 +0000

Paws for Fun HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 08/29/2025 - 12:30

Student-artist designs painted bear to lift spirits in troubling times

September 2, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Each of the painted bear statues on ��ֱ��’s campus has an intriguing origin story. The newest bear in front of the Welcome Center is no exception; its story begins on a subway car.

At 16, Forrest Bailey, ’26, was visiting Boston and riding the Green Line when a man noticed and commented on the hat Forrest was wearing.

“We got to chatting after he said he liked my beanie,” Forrest said. “He told me his name was Fred Clark, and he was the president of ��ֱ��. When he learned I wanted to study art, he said they have a great art program there.”

Forrest wasn’t really thinking about college just yet but thanked Clark for his input.

After graduating high school in 2019, Forrest attended community college in their native Maine. When COVID hit, Forrest struggled and decided to take time off from school and entered the workforce.

A couple years later, the idea of returning to school surfaced and that’s when Forrest remembered the man on the train.

“It just kind of popped into my head. ‘What was that college that guy on the train told me about? I looked it up and thought it sounded great,” they said.

That chance encounter with President Frederick W. Clark Jr is how Forrest ended up studying art at ��ֱ��.

“My experience at ��ֱ�� has been incredibly positive. I love all of my professors, particularly Professor Sarah Washburn. I took her drawing class one semester and since then she’s been such a big supporter of me,” Forrest said.

It was Washburn who encouraged Forrest to submit a proposal for an open call to design one of the iconic bear statues on campus.

“I really wanted to create a piece of public art, something people could see,” Forrest said.

They then met with ��ֱ��’s Jay Block, associate director of collections and exhibition manager, who curates and approves public art at the university.

“I had a lot of concepts, and admittedly overdesigned some of them,” Forrest said. “But I had this one idea that was stuck in my brain…a pink gummy bear.”

On a whim, Forrest drew up their concept and presented it to Block, who ultimately decided that it would be a fun, colorful design for the bear statue that sits in front of the school’s Welcome Center.

The bear was shipped to Forrest’s home in Biddeford, Maine, where they worked on it all summer. The result is a hot pink bear that creates an illusion of translucency.

“There are lots of shapes that look like liquid, I really wanted to create a sense of motion, of jelly jiggling around while the bear is walking,” Forrest said.

Forrest will have to wait to see the bear installed on campus as they will be studying abroad in Ireland this semester. But, for those that do pass by and view the bear, Forrest hopes the response is joyful.

“I want to make people smile, to brighten someone’s day by seeing this fun, whimsical, silly piece of art,” Forrest said.

Overall, the project has helped Forrest determine what type of art they want to produce.

“With the current state of the world, I want to create art that is a distraction…that injects fun and happiness into people’s lives,” they said. “I’m grateful to have had this experience and really hope this helps open doors for me to more opportunities where I can create public art.”

Do you have a ��ֱ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

With the current state of the world, I want to create art that is a distraction…that injects fun and happiness into people’s lives.

Forrest Bailey, '26

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Art

Through Her Lens

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:14:27 +0000

Through Her Lens HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 08/18/2025 - 15:14

��ֱ�� senior uses photography to reveal the ways people impact the environment

August 19, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Meagan Stebbins, ’26, has always been drawn to photography, partly because the medium allows her to tell a story without using words.

“I think a lot of people sometimes feel they don’t have a voice; I feel that way at certain times. With photography, it gives me a way to show things in an artistic way, to show how I see life,” she said. “I really like being able to show things from my perspective.”

This summer, Meagan participated in ��ֱ��’s Adrian Tinsley Program. The program provides students with the opportunity to conduct research or creative work under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Under the mentorship of Professor Amy Lovera, Meagan performed research in Japan, England and locations throughout New England for her project titled, “Where Nature Thrives: A Visual Journey.”

At each location, Meagan used her camera to capture different ways humans are both hurting and helping the environment.

“I wanted to learn how different countries are protecting their environments or not protecting them. What are people in the world doing to help wildlife, nature,” she wondered.

Meagan did not pre-plan what she wanted to shoot; rather she kept an open mind in her quest to discover evidence of people’s impact.

“You never know what you will stumble upon,” she said.

Her images included trees that had been clear cut or were exposed with chains on them. Alternately, she found newly planted trees surrounded by supports to help them grow.

Other objects included man-made trails with markers that designated what type of trail it was.

“I really was trying to find examples of the ways humans positively are impacting the environment as well as negatively,” Meagan said.

Her work caught the attention of local galleries, including Taunton’s Trescott Street Gallery where her photos are on display from Aug. 27 through Aug. 30. Visitors can view the exhibit from 12-5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday. An opening night reception will be held on Friday, August 29 from 6-8p.m.

Each photograph was taken with 35mm film and digital formats paired with information cards detailing local laws and the background of each site. Meagan hopes those who view her work are inspired.

“I really hope people make an emotional connection with what they are seeing. I hope they look and ask, how can we do things better,” Meagan said. “I want people to think.”

Do you have a ��ֱ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I really hope people make an emotional connection with what they are seeing. I hope they look and ask, how can we do things better.

Meagan Stebbins, '26

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Undergraduate Research

Art

Photography

Internship Takes Shape

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:01:10 +0000

Internship Takes Shape HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 09/16/2024 - 14:01

Art student working with renowned sculptor

September 17, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

While exploring a museum in New York City, a chance encounter led John Attebury, ’27, to secure a unique summer internship, one that introduced him to internationally renowned artist Greg Wyatt.

The New Jersey native was home over spring break and together with his mom, took the train into the city to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Inside, he was surprised when a woman approached him and asked if he went to ��ֱ��.

“I was wearing a red ��ֱ�� hoodie,” John explained.

The sweatshirt caught the attention of ��ֱ��’s Chief of Staff and Vice President of Planning and Strategy Dr. Deniz Zeynep Leuenberger.

“Of course I had to introduce myself,” Leuenberger said.

After learning that John was studying graphic design at Bridgewater and very much into the arts, she was inspired to connect him with Wyatt.

“I was excited to have the chance to introduce John to Greg Wyatt because I knew it would allow him entry into the art world so that he can discover what it is he wants to focus on in his education and career,” Leuenberger said.

��ֱ��’s relationship with Wyatt came to be when lifelong Bridgewater residents Larry and Kitty Doherty, who have donated more than 40 works of art to the university, helped to bring to campus Wyatt’s bronze statue sculpture depicting legendary ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov.

The statue was installed on the eastern side of Maxwell Library in 2017. Since then, more of Wyatt’s pieces have been added to create the Greg and Fay Wyatt Sculpture Garden, creating a destination point for community members at ��ֱ�� and beyond.

On top of his generous donation, Wyatt also offered to work with and mentor students.

“Greg Wyatt’s support of our students and his faith in education elevates the mission of ��ֱ�� within the goal of student success,” said Jay Block, associate director of Collections and Exhibitions. “Creativity and innovation are key words within the economic and political sectors which our graduates must compete. This type of exposure allows our students to compete and excel.”

Over the summer, John traveled to Wyatt’s studio in upstate New York where he received ongoing feedback, was given challenges and instruction while being exposed to the workings of an active studio.

“I learned to abandon my ego as an artist, and that it’s the practice, not necessarily the finished result that matters,” he said. “It also made me realize that art, being creative, is what I want to do as a career. It really shines more light on what I want to do and where I want to go in my life.”

Art Professor Rob Lorenson, who has had John in class, said internships like this are one of the best forms of education.

“A professional studio exposes students to a different level of motivation and work ethic that is beneficial,” Lorenson said. “Every sculpture studio is unique, and they will learn that unique approach which they cannot in the school setting.”

After working with Wyatt, John arrived back on campus this fall with a renewed sense of purpose.

“I’m very excited to start learning again, to come back into the dynamic environment Bridgewater offers,” he said. “I really can’t wait.”

Do you have a ��ֱ�� story you'd like to share? Please email stories@bridgew.edu

Greg Wyatt’s support of our students and his faith in education elevates the mission of ��ֱ�� within the goal of student success. Creativity and innovation are key words within the economic and political sectors which our graduates must compete. This type of exposure allows our students to compete and excel.

Jay Block, associate director of Collections and Exhibitions

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Art

The Fabric of Art

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:54:12 +0000

The Fabric of Art HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 09/09/2024 - 10:54

Anderson Gallery exhibit puts spotlight on work of Ghana-born artist

September 10, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

When artist Clara Nartey learned about the importance of diversity at ��ֱ��, she immediately wanted to exhibit her work at the school.

“Traditional media, until recently, has not always presented Black people in a way that is complimentary,” Nartey said. “I want to portray people the way that I see them, to show that I value them and think they are worthy.”

The Ghana-born artist currently lives in Connecticut where she creates art using thread, digital painting, machine embroidery, and quilting to make bold and colorful textures.

Nartey’s solo exhibit, “Fabric of Identity,” will be on display in the Wallace L. Anderson Gallery and on the second floor of the Maxwell Library Aug. 21 through Oct. 21.

When researching artists to bring to ��ֱ��, Jay Block, associate director of collections and exhibits, said Nartey’s work caught his attention.

“I look for work that highlights the possibilities of what art can be, beyond the expected paint and sculpture,” he said. “I want to show work that demonstrates artistic excellence in the handling of the chosen material and reflects an original vision about the artist’s concerns.”

Nartey’s use of fabrics and oblique images particularly stood out to Block.

“Her portraits are bright, bold, and show the individuals as powerful,” he said. “My thought was they would speak to our campus community.”

One of the more recognizable aspects of Nartey’s work is the focus on the hairstyles of Black women. Upon moving to the United States, she herself struggled with how to wear her hair.

“In West Africa, women have very intricate and elaborate hairstyles,” she said. “But I soon learned that those types of styles were frowned upon. Eventually, it became a decision between hiding my hair or embracing my identity. I decided to embrace it and wear my hair naturally.”

Learning to embrace one’s authentic self is the message she hopes to convey to those who view her work, especially students.

“I know what it feels like to be different, to not look like the person next to you...it’s important for students to feel seen,” Nartey said. “I want them to see themselves, to be reflected on the wall, and know they belong.”

Do you have a ��ֱ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I know what it feels like to be different, to not look like the person next to you...it’s important for students to feel seen. I want them to see themselves, to be reflected on the wall, and know they belong.

Clara Nartey

Tags

Art