Developing Partnerships of Student Creativity to the Gatton Student Center
The University of Kentucky exemplifies the power of partnerships in fostering innovation and creativity. In Spring 2023, UK Auxiliary Services, the School of Art & Visual Studies (SAVS), and the UK Arts in HealthCare Program joined forces to introduce the Gatton Student Center with a flourish of artistic expression. A year later, The Great Hall Gallery has emerged as a vibrant testament to this collaboration, serving as a dynamic showcase for the artistic endeavors of UK students and becoming a hub for student ingenuity.
With the assistance and direction from Jason Akhtarekhavari, Arts in HealthCare Program Manager and his team, The Great Hall Gallery isn't just a space for student art; it's a platform for emerging talents to share their creative journeys with the world. As each semester brings forth a new exhibition curated by student, Katherine Gemperline, from the UK College of Fine Arts’ M.F.A. in Curatorial Studies program, it becomes a testament to the diversity of perspectives and mediums explored by young artists. Katherine shares, “The Great Hall Gallery is a great space to show student art. Right outside the Harris Ballroom, many people from different fields can see and enjoy our own students' artwork. This becomes a great place for our students to start their career and for others to experience how creative our students are."
Both art programs share a common goal; to inspire and enrich the lives of those they touch. Keegan Rose, artist of Dysmorphic Night, a digital collage, shares, “My goal was to create a dream-like landscape, utilizing physical tension in the figure’s body and mental tension in the figure’s perceived reflection…the emotional tension of the figure looking in the mirror and seeing something different looking back… it is the same as the ominous feeling that occurs in real life.” Her artwork evokes and stirs a complex mix of self-acceptance and inner conflict. It's seen that her pieces reflect the deeply personal struggles with one self. Just like patients, visitors, or students, we all experience periods of transformation where we may feel disconnected from ourselves, even when facing our reflections in the mirror. The Great Hall Gallery gives the opportunity for this partnership to flourish with the emotional doorway that we all are tied to.
The partnership between Auxiliary Services, SAVS, and UK Arts in HealthCare Program serves as a compelling illustration of how collaborations can enhance the student experience. By establishing a platform to exhibit student artwork within the Gatton Student Center, we not only provide a space for creative expression but also offer invaluable hands-on experience for graduate students in the curatorial studies program, under the mentorship of the UK Arts in HealthCare Program Manager. Through this collective effort, the University and UK HealthCare demonstrate how art can bridge divides, foster connections, and ignite creativity.
Artwork within the Gatton student Center will be removed towards the end of each semester, allowing a new line of work to be introduced in the coming Fall. Take the time to explore the gallery before the end of the semester. To submit work or learn more about the student program, please visit the Art Curation | Gatton Student Center.