CVA Gallery, Brookdale Community College

Sept. 10, 2021

Thanks to the efforts of one of our treasured artists, Marie Maber, who is also the head of the art department and the CVA Gallery at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey, we were offered an opportunity to show both the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 exhibitions of portraits in that beautiful gallery.

Professor Judith Ungar, BCC Librarian, spoke about “The Human Library”

A program and reception was held Friday, September 10th, in the gallery. There was time for viewing the 53 portraits before the program which featured an address by the president of the College, Dr. David Stout, followed by remarks by Dr. Ave Latte, Professor, Education Department, head of “Civility Week”, Dr. Ashley Zambogna-Krug, Associate Professor, History, who spoke about the “Global Citizens Project”, Professor Judith Ungar, Librarian, who spoke about the “Human Library”, and me. I gave a brief history of the project and how it works.There was no question and answer period, per se, but I spent the entire evening speaking with visitors who expressed gratitude for bringing the portraits there and for a moving and educational experience. Many visitors took copies of the catalogs and spent a great deal of time reading about each of the portraits; each of the people they represent. It was gratifying to be able to see the powerful effect our work has on viewers, how it truly moves people to, perhaps, re-think formerly held perceptions of the problem of gun violence and to dedicate themselves to become more aware of the issues and take whatever action they are able. 

Dr. Ave Latte speaking with guest.

Our heartfelt thanks to Marie and her efforts which have also, importantly, led to many departments of the college integrating the exhibition into curricula with writing assignments, discussion groups, and the like, which will bring many, many students in to experience the portraits.  Also, students from the life-long learning cohort, senior citizens, will be gallery sitting during the time the exhibition is on view. 

As we expand into New Jersey and beyond, this opportunity is an excellent example of our mission at work. 

President of Brookdale Community College, Dr. David Stout, addressing attendees at the CVA Gallery.