Gallery exhibit highlights listening and legacy

The exhibit “If They Told You, Would You Listen?” opened this week in Koskores Art Gallery and will run until April 8. 

An opening reception for the exhibit, which is curated by Middle School Arts Faculty Destiny Palmer, was held March 24 in the gallery; many of the 26 featured artists, including Palmer, were in attendance. 

The show brings the works of artists from across the country to explore themes of home and identity through powerful and deeply personal narratives. At the heart of the exhibit is one such story: the legacy of Palmer’s grandmother, whose unfinished quilt serves as the exhibit’s centerpiece. A tribute to Palmer’s first creative influence, the piece connects the act of listening to a powerful yet often unseen lineage of artistry. 

“She likely never saw herself as an artist,” wrote Palmer of her grandmother in the exhibit’s accompanying curator’s statement, “but she was the first person I watched draw.” 

The exhibit challenges traditional notions of listening and poses critical questions about power, privilege, history, and our willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. The artists’ works span a range of perspectives, urging viewers to confront biases, assumptions, and blind spots. 

“I considered many ways to approach this exhibition,” wrote Palmer. “I began by thinking about artwork with a strong narrative, pieces that compel the viewer’s body to interact with them physically, or works that simply tell the truth. This exhibition is an attempt to explore all three.” 

And Palmer added that the exhibit allows her to honor her grandmother, who is still alive and present in Palmer’s life. 

“She shaped my understanding of creativity long before I had the language to describe it,” said Palmer. 

The Karen and Ted Koskores Gallery, which is located on the first floor of Southworth Library, is open for viewing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. by appointment. Admission is always free. To plan your visit, go to thayer.org/gallery. 

Featured artists in the exhibit include: 

Adria Arch
Alana Fitzgerald
Alaina Mahoney
Cathy Della Lucia
Cicely Carew
Courtney Stock
Cristina Victor
Destiny Palmer
Diana J. Puglisi
Ife Franklin
Janet Loren Hill
Ja’Hari Ortega
Jay Katelansky
Kate Clements
Kristine Rumman
Lauren Comerato
Loretta Park
Maria Molteni
Marla McLeod
Mia Cross
Nafis White
Perla Mabel
Ruthena Tart
Samantha Fields
Sarah Sabino
Yoon Jee Kwak