A closer look at the art that is often displayed in Meiley-Swallow Hall reveals that the artwork comes from North Central students. The galleries are a way to display their work to the campus and community.
How does this come about? Christine Rabenold, the art director at North Central, has long played a part in organizing these galleries.
This might leave one with a few questions, specifically — what does an art director at a college do?
“I help students formulate their show, plan the exhibition, and install the pieces,” says Rabenold. She believes the galleries have greatly benefitted the college as well as the art students.
“It’s been a good way for the students on campus to see what the art students do on campus,” says Rabenold.
The recognition isn’t just restricted to the campus and other students. The galleries are open to the public and often draw crowds from Naperville and other surrounding towns. This has greatly helped the art department.
“The galleries give recognition to what the art students do in the community and surrounding area,” says Rabenold.
The greatest benefit of the galleries goes to the students. Rabenold makes the process of reserving the gallery a breeze. All the student has to do is propose for an artwork display, show that they have an adequate amount of work and they’ll be slotted in the schedule for the next academic year.
Rabenold provides a great amount of help and support for the student. The art gallery is beneficial for the student not only for allowing them to present their work, but it is an item to add on a resume and provides professional experience while still in college. Rabenold encourages any art students with an interest in displaying their artwork to contact her for arrangements.
From the lobby on the first floor extending up onto the second floor, the gallery space in Meiley Swallow Hall has seen a broad range of exhibits. Genres displayed range from ceramics, 3D sculptures, paintings of various styles, and photography.
The space easily accommodates all kinds of artists. From past exhibits such as “Design for Good” by Annie Dipert and “Sex Trafficking is Local” by Rachel Maher, to the exhibit “Sonder” by Stephanie and Katherine Varga.
This is not the only gallery location either. There are two other galleries on campus available to the students. There is the Oesterle Library Gallery, located on the second floor of Oesterle Library, and Schoenherr Gallery located in the Fine Arts Center.
Rabenold does not focus on these galleries as much as Meiley Swallow, stressing its importance to the students. The past exhibits on North Central’s campus seems to keep Rabenold, and student artists, excited to see what is next.
