"absolute alternatives": the 2026 Arts+ Faculty Exhibition, curated by Maleke Glee runs January 30–February 28, 2026 with an artists' reception event on Thursday, February 12, 6-8 pm.

Organized by guest curator Maleke Glee, absolute alternatives presents faculty from across UMBC whose interdisciplinary research is a form of creative practice. Inspired by the boundary-pushing spirit of the Arts+ Initiative, the exhibition proposes alternatives to defining research through absolute disciplinary categories. The exhibition brings together faculty from across the university, as well as their UMBC student, staff, and outside collaborators, with offerings from Visual Arts, Music, Biology, the Individualized Study Program, and other disciplines.

Participating artists: Jude Agboada, Fiona Bell, Kelley Bell and Cheeky Magpie Collective, Lee Boot, Lynn Cazabon, Lisa Cella, Mayank Chugh, Cathy Cook, Arit Emmanuela Etukudo, Eva Grandoni, Tahira Chloe Mahdi, Phillip Mann, Steven McAlpine, Lisa Moren, Edgar Reyes, Julie Sayo, Sarah G. Sharp, Airi Yoshioka

This exhibition and its associating events are sponsored by the UMBC Arts+ initiative.

Reception event:

Feb. 12, 6pm: Artists' reception of absolute alternatives
Featuring Dream Feed, composed by Zosha Di Castri, performed by Lisa Cella and Airi Yoshioka. Opening remarks and performance will begin at 6:10pm.

Dream Feed takes its title from evening infant feeding practices, often occurring between 10pm and midnight, intended to support a baby's peaceful rest through the night. The composition draws poetic resonance from this intimate, cyclical act of care. In the context of interdisciplinary work, Dream Feed brings forward roles that often remain invisible within creative and professional spheres, such as parenthood, inviting them into artistic discourse.

"As a composer/pianist, I see motherhood as one of the final 'taboos' in the professional music world, with women often still believing they must choose between family and career, or keep quiet about their desire for both. Though having a child alters one's life irreversibly and may create logistical challenges, it can also be a profoundly creative experience, encouraging new ways of thinking and doing." —Zosha Di Castri

This program is supported by the UMBC Division of Research and Creative Achievement.

Our exhibitions and events are free and open to the public for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

If you need specific accommodations at one of our events, whether in person or online, or to experience an exhibition, please contact CADVC at cadvc@umbc.edu or 410-455-3188 as soon as possible.