Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University is hosting the 2024-25 Marking Place Juried Student Exhibition, curated by McAndless Distinguished Professor Chair Joey Quiñones. The event runs until January 31, 2025, in the Student Center University Gallery and features creative works from students at various Michigan institutions.

The exhibition is part of the Marking Place project, an interdisciplinary initiative led by Quiñones during their residency from September 2024 to April 2025. The project involves discussions, public lectures, and exhibitions focusing on public monuments and sculptures' role in representing diverse narratives.

"In the past decade, there has been substantial discussion on the role of statues, monuments, and memorials, and how they reflect the people, histories, and events of a place," said Quiñones. The project encourages students to explore questions about community memory and alternative monument concepts.

Established in 1986 through a bequest from M. Thelma McAndless, a former EMU professor, the McAndless Distinguished Professor Chair brings prominent scholars or artists to the university annually. Quiñones' appointment continues this tradition by promoting critical engagement with art and public memory.

The exhibition received 78 submissions from students at institutions including the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. Of these, 38 works were selected for display, showcasing different perspectives on memory and commemoration.

"This exhibit exemplifies the power of art to connect communities and foster creativity," said Danny Baskin, director of Galleries. "We are honored to bring together students and faculty from across the state to celebrate these remarkable achievements."

The opening reception took place on January 9 in the University Gallery, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with artists and view their thought-provoking works.

For more information about Quiñones or upcoming events related to the Marking Place project, visit the McAndless webpage.

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as Michigan's second oldest public university. It serves nearly 13,000 students across various degree programs through its Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications often recognize EMU for excellence in education.

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