Most students at Andrews come to the library to study. Perhaps they peruse the periodicals downstairs for the perfect article or gather around one of the wooden tables upstairs for an organic chemistry group study session. Either way, the library is a quiet space with free computers, comfy chairs, and friendly staff. However, for the next two weeks, from February 15 to 28, the library is doing something a little different. Aside from the vast collection of books and resources available to students, they have also begun the first step in their “Human Library” experience, an art exhibition.
“Joyful Resilience” is a collection of paintings, showcased on the main floor of the library. They comprise works created by mother-daughter duo Jasmin and Alyssa Hislop. Jasmin is a former staff member at Andrews and Alyssa is an alumnus of the seminary program (2022). The dean of the library, Paulette Johnson, discovered Jasmin’s art when her piece “Pearl of Great Price” was exhibited at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph. Immediately, she knew Jasmin’s art was something that could benefit the student experience here at Andrews University. The two began chatting about an art exhibition, and several months later, “Joyful Resilience” was born.
Jasmin and Alyssa’s paintings utilize multiple mediums, from traditional paint to sharpie when highlighting specific lines. The paintings also range in style, from more abstract pieces to others that illustrate a specific item or feelings. My personal favorites are “Bone of My Bone,” a piece that seems to illustrate the creation of Eve and “Shekinah,” a piece that I think embodies the mysterious glory of God. The works illustrate an impressive grasp on the more technical aspects of art as well.
You may wonder why the library, instead of Harrigan Gallery, is hosting this exhibition. Dean Johnson explains why: “I think it’s making art accessible to our students who are not necessarily art majors. It’s readily accessible because the library is a neutral space and invites everyone to engage with art in a meaningful way. The library space is a third space, a place between home and work. It’s not where you sleep, or the classroom where you study. The library is dynamic, and we want to have different experiences in addition to the traditional ones.” This push for the library as a “third space” is part of this “Human Library” experience, which includes several other events in the upcoming months. Next month, March 28-30 will feature a “Living Library” event, hosted by Kevin Burton and will offer community individuals, including students, a chance to become living books and get the opportunity to tell their stories. In April, Christopher Mwashinga (doctorate, religion) will be holding a poetry reading comprised of his own original works.
So why this focus on art and poetry? Well, the “Human Library” experience requires hearing from first hand sources and perspectives, speaking to people themselves instead of just reading or viewing their works. Margaret Adeogun, head of Patron Services at the library, says, “We want to increase the student’s perspective of life. Education is the development of the whole person and classroom activities are just a small fraction of a person's educational experience. The other stakeholders in the university have a responsibility in developing the student into a whole person. We want to focus on broadening your perspectives and give you the opportunity to learn from other people’s rich experiences.” After all, “The library is a neutral ground where students learn outside the classroom and what you learn outside the classroom often stays longer with you.”
In fact, to emphasize the importance of hearing other’s stories and learning about their experiences, not only is the library showing the Hislop duo’s art, they are also giving students and community members the opportunity to chat with Jasmin herself, next Thursday, February 23, in the library from 2 - 4 pm.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.