James M. Smith President at Eastern Michigan University | Official website
James M. Smith President at Eastern Michigan University | Official website
Eastern Michigan University has named Joey Quiñones as the 2024-25 McAndless Distinguished Professor Chair in the Humanities. Quiñones, who is recognized nationally as an artist and scholar and currently heads the fiber department at Cranbrook Academy of Art, will engage with the EMU community through various events during their residency from September 2024 to April 2025.
Quiñones will lead an interdisciplinary project called "Marking Place," which started this fall. The project involves discussions, public lectures, exhibitions, and collaborative artistic experiences focusing on public monuments and sculptures at EMU's campus and throughout Ypsilanti.
“The Marking Place project considers the role of statues, monuments, and memorials in representing diverse narratives,” said Quiñones. “We invite students from all disciplines to ask: ‘What should we, as a community, remember? How can we honor multiple histories in shared spaces, and what are alternative forms of monumentality?’”
The McAndless Chair was established in 1986 thanks to a bequest from M. Thelma McAndless, a former professor of English language and literature. Each year it brings a visiting scholar or artist of national prominence to EMU. Quiñones' appointment continues this tradition by offering unique perspectives to the university.
“As a queer Black artist, my work examines how histories of race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect with larger societal narratives,” said Quiñones. “I’m excited to engage the EMU community in reflecting on how public art shapes our understanding of history and identity.”
Several events are scheduled during Quiñones’ residency:
- Keynote Lecture: "Marking Place: Art, Artists, and Monumentality" on Thursday, Oct. 24.
- Marking Place Exhibition from Jan. 3-31, 2025.
- Marking Place Sculpture Installation from March to April 2025.
Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University serves over 13,000 students across various programs. It is recognized for its commitment to education excellence and diversity.
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