KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 23, 2024

School of Art and Design’s Zuckerman Museum to open “Reflections” with free reception on Jan. 25

Kennesaw State University’s Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art (ZMA), a unit of the School of Art and Design, is celebrating its anniversary with a special exhibition: “Reflections: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future, Ten Years of the Zuckerman Museum of Art.” Curated by Cynthia Nourse Thompson, Associate Professor of Fine Art and Director of Curatorial Affairs at the ZMA, the free exhibition runs Jan. 25 to May 11. 

Featuring a thoughtful and careful selection of works from the Museum’s permanent collection, “Reflections” expands upon the Museum’s mission. It’s a compelling lens: re-contextualizing and interweaving disciplines and diverse narratives to engage multiple audiences in the celebration of its ten-year anniversary. 

The collection would not be what it is today without donors who realized the need and value of art to serve the educational needs of KSU. As such, one section of the gallery will be devoted to showcasing works by major donors to the ZMA. 

Finally, exciting, new acquisitions to the KSU permanent collection will be on display. Guests will gain insight into the current focus on developing the collection and see how new works help to expand the dialogue of the institution.   

Over a year ago, staff members proposed that such an exhibition could be an integral part of the 2023-2024 season. Geo Sipp, Director of the School of Art and Design and Professor of Art, thought it was a brilliant idea. The decision to move forward with the exhibition was easy, but selecting the artwork to feature—from thousands of fabulous pieces—was not as easy.  

Sipp said, “Several people were involved with making the decisions on what art to include. Cynthia Thompson, with her capacity to acquire works on paper collections, has created a truly exceptional visual narrative, honoring the legacy of our original donors, and introducing us to the future potential of the museum,” he said. 

Since opening in 2014, the ZMA has served as a vital academic resource and cultural center for students, faculty, and members of the community. The Museum was originally conceived by stakeholders as a means of bridging the university’s approximately 7,000-piece permanent collection and the thematic programming of its two expansive modern galleries. 

Today, the ZMA supports and enhances internal and external communities through public programs, service activities, and leadership. Its intentionally collaborative environment encourages intellectual and artistic exchange by delivering meaningful content, dynamic programming, and experiential learning engagement opportunities.

A reception will be held on Thursday, Jan. 25 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Open to the public, the reception is free with a simple RSVP.  

--Kathie Beckett