The SLU Contemporary Art Gallery opened the 2026 Alumni Exhibition on Thursday, Jan. 29, led by gallery director Cristina Molina. The exhibition features pieces from SLU alumni, bringing their art back to the place where it all began.
The exhibition is on view until Wednesday, Feb. 25, and features work by 40 alumni, including SLU grads from as early as 1965.
Interim department head of Visual Art and Design Jeffery Mickey emphasized the importance of alumni engagement within the department.
“It’s important to remember that our alumni provide continuity into the past. It talks about tradition, it talks about history, it talks about a fellowship, a group of people who have all experienced that same sort of thing coming through our department, finding something they love and being passionate about it, and being able to express ideas,” Mickey said.
The showcased pieces featured a wide range of techniques, such as acrylic, photography, ceramics, video installation, painting, drawing, graphic design and sculpture.
Distinct themes of environmentalism, community and identity recur throughout the gallery. The placement of each piece is intentionally curated to create a series of visual connections that guide the viewer.
“When I’m organizing the shows, I’m thinking about how the work connects visually. Maybe some impulse that the artists are having that all share commonality. I really wanted to highlight the work that everyone is doing,” Molina said.
Beyond visual unity, the exhibition gave students the chance to network and receive advice from alumni.
Sabrina Gil, a 2022 art alumna, said her postgraduate experience working in commercial printing in Baton Rouge differed significantly from that of her experience as an art student at SLU. When invited to return for the alumni exhibition, Gil took the opportunity to encourage young artists facing many similar uncertainties about their future.
“I wanted to show them what you can be after college. Our society doesn’t always support artists,” Gil said. “You can still make art and have an adult job…my biggest advice is just not to give up.
The exhibition reinforces the importance of the Contemporary Art Gallery’s role as a meeting point for both past and present students. With attendance from both alumni and students, this exchange continues to support professional development and sustain a creative legacy spanning generations.
The gallery’s next exhibition, “2026 Juried Art Exhibition,” will take place from Thursday, March 12, to Wednesday, April 15. The opening reception will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. Visit the SLU Contemporary Art Gallery’s page for details on more events.
The piece is titled “Under the skin of it all” by Ginina Biondini. The piece is featured at the Alumni Art Exhibition, held Thursday, Jan. 29-Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Contemporary Art Gallery.
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