Art Exhibitions
Throughout their academic and creative journey, students are able to display their artwork in exhibitions on the Saint Xavier campus. Art exhibits may take place at the Visual Arts Center (VAC) in the Student Gallery or at the Warde Academic Center (WAC) in the SXU Gallery, Bishop Quarter Room or CIDAT Lounge.
SXU Gallery
Located in L-114 of the Warde Academic Center, the SXU Gallery showcases the artwork of local, regional, national and international professional artists throughout the academic year.
We strive to present a variety of styles and media with six exhibits that often amplify University-wide initiatives, complement curricular programming and witness the integration of art and spirituality.
Shows are accompanied by a welcoming reception and a presentation by the artist. These exhibits, open to the public as well as the University community, present a sophisticated caliber of visual expression, as well as inspiring stimuli for our students.
Cathie Ruggie Saunders, SXU Gallery Director
The SXU Gallery is located in the Warde Academic Center at L-114. (Enter the library
entrance and go down the stairs.)
Gallery Hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Thursday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Current Exhibit
Jessie Howard "A Wolk Village"
January 18 to March 2, 2023
Opening Reception and Artist Talk: February 23, 3:30 p.m.
Jesse Howard's work addresses the stigmas and societal constraints placed on African
American men and women. Rich with symbolism and layered social references, he speaks
to the legacy of activism, the current national news and social conflicts, and the
disenfranchised living their everyday lives.
When one looks at the faces that he depicts, they often appear to be looking directly
at you. In doing so, he directs you to acknowledge their presence. One can feel the
anguish and frustration that African Americans endure.
The drawing exhibit will be in the SXU Gallery from January 18 through March 2, 2023.
As part of Black History Month, Mr. Howard will be speaking about his work, followed
by a reception on February 23 at 3:30 p.m.
Visual Art Center Student and Alumni Gallery
Located off campus within the Visual Arts Center at 10435 South Spaulding, the Visual Arts Center Gallery is dedicated to showcasing student and alumni artwork.
Since the production of art is best complemented with the exhibition of that work, the VAC Gallery offers the opportunity for students to experience the rigors and joy of presenting their art to the public.
Formerly a church, the building has been converted into an art "sanctuary" of teaching studios, lecture/meeting rooms, a student/alumni Gallery and a state of the art computer lab. Parking is limited to faculty and staff. Shuttle service is provided on a regular basis during the academic semester. For more information please contact Gallery Director, Cathie Ruggie Saunders at 773-298-3087.
Virtual Tour
Launch Visual Arts CenterPast Exhibits
Amie Sell: "At This Moment"
November 2 to December 3, 2022.
Artist Amie Sell has created two site-specific installations for the SXU Gallery. One uses string; the other uses clock hands. Both installations invite the viewer to pause and consider our man-made concepts of time and to mindfully meditate on the importance of the present moment. Experimentation is at the heart of her practice. Using common materials to create temporary experiences and active, modular sculptures became important to her continued artistic expression after leaving school. Not having access to a conventional sculpture studio and heavy equipment led her to find inspiration and materials in dumpsters and alleys, grocery and home improvement stores, beaches and recycling centers. Our world is full of natural and manufactured objects that can be recomposed and experimented with to create new meaning and value. Her presentation and opening reception is on Wednesday, November 2 at 3:30pm in the SXU Gallery.
To view more of the past exhibitions, please visit the Art and Design Flickr page, SXU-ART.