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If you haven’t yet seen the art show – you haven’t missed your chance! Stop by now through this Friday, May 10th to peruse the display of more than 40 unique items, OR, check out the digital submissions already archived online [fully digitization of physical items still upcoming]. 

Each piece has a story. To cap off the art show, we’ve curated a second collection of the artist’s in their own words. Enjoy! 

Rachel Brill's "Dinah in Yellow Robe" [Acrylic Painting]

An acrylic painting of a cat in the model of a Matisse painting, whimsically wearing a yellow robe.

Dinah in Yellow Robe is my take on Henri Matisse's work, in particular Yellow Odalisque, which I saw at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I love his use of bright colors and a mix of patterns. The unwilling model for this piece is my cat, Dinah.

Rachel Brill, Staff, Himmelfarb

Kenneth Schappelle's "Delhi at Dusk" [Photograph]

A fog covered horizon nearly suffocates a setting sun.

The day before Christmas, we were on our way to New Delhi, traveling down a rural highway from Rishikesh, which sits at the foot of the Himalayas. Rishikesh was a breath of fresh air with its blue skies and the sparkling Ganges River pouring out of the mountains. The closer we got to New Delhi, though, the thicker the smog became. As we approached the outskirts and the sun began to set, you could barely see it through the thick sky. It was disturbing and beautiful all at once.

Kenneth Schappelle, Staff, School of Nursing

Aparna Nanduru’s “Peacock in Repose” [Mixed Media]

A mixed media portrayal of a peacock proudly perched on a blossoming branch.

Adding dimension came from adding multiple types of media into my art. This included using lead pencils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, acrylic paint, and even white-out in the piece going from top to bottom. As a nature lover, I wanted to demonstrate the ability of these seemingly different art mediums coalescing together to represent diversity and coexistence seen in the environment around us.

Aparna Nanduru, Student, SMHS

Caitlan Davila’s “How to Outrun a Dinosaur” [Digital Artwork]

An illustration of the biological systems operating in the nervous system during crisis.

This drawing exists because I was being cheeky while working through two opposing systems (bronchoconstriction vs. bronchodilation). Why the dinosaurs? That’s the wrong question, my friend. The question is:  why NOT dinosaurs?! Learning ought to be fun; working in subjects we like can make a real difference in retention. 

Caitlan Davila, Student, SMHS

Ruth Bueter’s “Wingspan” [Photograph]

A turkey vultures poses perched with full wing-span at Chiricahua National Monument.

After finishing my Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science and Parks and Recreation, I had an internship at Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona. It was an amazing experience! A couple of years later, I visited Chiricahua while driving to California. I went hiking on my favorite trail in the park one morning. As I turned a corner along the trail, I saw this Turkey Vulture stretching its wings on a rock outcropping. I was convinced the bird would fly away when it saw me, but it just stayed there watching me with its wings spread out. I managed to dig out my old first-generation digital point-and-shoot camera (with minimal zoom capacity) from my backpack and got some pictures. The bird and I stood there watching each other for 10 minutes. Eventually, I packed up my camera and continued on my hike. The Turkey Vulture was still there when I left. It is still one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had while hiking. And for it to have happened at Chiricahua, a place that has held a special place in my heart since my internship, made it even more memorable.

Ruth Bueter, Staff, Himmelfarb

Close of picture of a purple flower.
“Summer Beauty” by Dana Bolsteins (2022 Art Show submission, photography)

Calling all artists! Do you have a painting, print, or photograph that you'd like to share? How about some needlework, pottery, or hand-made jewelry?  

Himmelfarb Library is excited to announce its 2024 Annual Art Show, which will run from  Monday, April 15th through Friday, May 10th. This event, now in its 36th year, is open to all students, faculty, and staff of the SMHS, GWSPH, and GW Nursing. Join us for an opening reception in the library on Monday, April 15th, from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.

Key Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: April 11, 2024 (Thursday)
  • Opening Reception: April 15, 2024 (Monday), 4:00pm - 5:30pm
  • Art Show Dates: April 15, 2024 (Monday) - May 10, 2024 (Friday)

We are accepting submissions through Thursday, April 11th. Please drop off your artwork at the first floor Circulation Desk. Digital copies of your work can be included in our Virtual Art Show, by sending the file(s) to himmelfarb@gwu.edu. You can submit exclusively to the Virtual Art Show if you prefer.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact us by email at himmelfarb@gwu.edu or by phone at (202) 994-2850.

If you need some inspiration, enjoy these submissions from previous years. Check out more prior submissions in the Himmelfarb Library Annual Art Show collections in the Health Sciences Research Commons! 

Painting of a Faerie Queen with two women playing woodwind instruments looking at her.
“The Faerie Queen of New Prague” by Basil Considine (2023 submission)