EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University is proud to present the 2024-25 Marking Place Juried Student Exhibition, curated by McAndless Distinguished Professor Chair Joey Quiñones. This event, which runs from now until Jan.31, 2025, in the Student Center University Gallery, showcases the creative talents of students from various Michigan institutions.

The exhibition is a central component of the Marking Place project, an interdisciplinary initiative led by Quiñones during their residency from September 2024 to April 2025. The project engages the EMU community through discussions, public lectures, and exhibitions that explore the role of public monuments and sculptures in representing diverse narratives.

"In the past decade, there has been substantial discussion on the role of statues, monuments, and memorials, and how they reflect the people, histories, and events of a place," said Quiñones. The Marking Place project invites students from all disciplines to explore questions such as, "What do we, as a community, need to remember? How can we honor multiple histories in a public space? And what are the alternatives to the concept of a monument?"

Established in 1986 through a generous bequest from the late M. Thelma McAndless, a former English language and literature professor at EMU, the McAndless Distinguished Professor Chair brings visiting scholars, artists, or writers of national prominence to the university each year. Quiñones' appointment continues this legacy by fostering critical engagement with art and public memory.

The exhibition received 78 submissions from students at institutions including the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, the Cranbrook Academy of Art and the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Of these, 38 works have been selected for display, reflecting various perspectives on memory and commemoration.

"This exhibit exemplifies the power of art to connect communities and foster creativity," said Danny Baskin, director of Galleries. "We are honored to bring together students and faculty from across the state to celebrate these remarkable achievements."

The opening reception, held on Thursday, Jan. 9, in the University Gallery, allowed attendees to interact directly with the artists and explore the thought-provoking works on display.

For more information about Quiñones, the Marking Place project, and upcoming events, visit the McAndless webpage.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.