Exhibition and Readings by Faculty from Chester College of New England
July 28 – August 4, 2012 -- Reception and Readings Fri. Aug. 3, 5-8pm
July 28 – August 4, 2012 -- Reception and Readings Fri. Aug. 3, 5-8pm
On Friday, May
18, 2012, at 6:10pm, an email was sent to the Chester College community from
the college’s president and chairman of the board of trustees announcing the
school’s immediate closing. The email discussed the college’s insurmountable
financial difficulties and applauded the efforts of the faculty, staff, and
students. The story played out in the press as yet another unfortunate casualty
in this dire economy.
In truth, the
only thing that was insurmountable was the administration’s stance that the
college was not viable. As one of the only institutions in the country to offer
a BA in the creative arts, Chester College was not for everyone. It was,
however, home to those who found themselves drawn there to practice and share
their craft. Even a fleeting glance would have shown a novice eye something
special was happening on that campus. Luckily that “something” is housed inside
the creative drive of every student, graduate, and former faculty member and
not the buildings at 40 Chester Street.
The phrase “keep
warm by firefly” from Jenn Monroe's poem, "Drizzle," is perfect and improbable – romantic in every sense – and as
such, reflects the spirit of Chester College. This exhibition offers a glimpse
at the intangible thread that connects those who were part of this community of
artists, writers, and thinkers.
Work by:
Jay Bordage,
Melissa Boyajian, Luke Buffenmyer, Darrell Matsumoto, Megan McNaught, Christina
Pitsch, and Edward Stapel
Readings by:
Christopher
Anderson, Tim Horvath, Jenn Monroe, and Eric Pinder
