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“HUMANIZE”: Student-led Gallery Exhibition Exploring the Theme of Identity
Thalia Añora, curator
Mentor: Corrie Parks, Visual Arts
This student-led gallery exhibition explores the theme of identity through how art and creative expression can reflect, reclaim, or reinvent a person’s essence — their “humanness.” As students strive to excel in their scholarship and professional careers, they can’t help but feel the pressure of constantly performing. It feels like they lose little bits of themselves while navigating the ever-changing landscape before them, threatening burnout or apathy. From a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, this exhibition contains artwork created within the last three years by 12 undergraduate artists. Including, but not limited to, paintings (acrylic, oil, watercolor), textiles, photography, digital media, mixed media, and small sculptures. Each artwork is paired with a statement from the artist and curator, explaining how their work is reflective of the theme. While the exhibition is on display, students will have the opportunity to participate in open-mics and live performances. Inviting active collaboration towards a shared exhibition that everyone feels invested towards cultivated meaningful connection within our community. Through this multidisciplinary approach to amplify the diverse voices and expressions of our student body, we were able to celebrate our “humanness” as a reflection of our larger UMBC identity.
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Taking Back The Piano
Ida Dierker
Mentor: Lisa Cella, Music
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the piano became a symbol of wealth and status, especially within middle and upper-class families. It was marketed to women, reinforcing traditional gender roles and confining them to domestic life. Piano playing, associated with femininity and refinement, was considered the most respectable instrument for women. Rather than fostering creativity, it was often used to control women’s emotions and entertain men, influencing their prospects for marriage. Despite these barriers, women composers like Maria Anna Marrinez, Lilli Boulanger, Clara Schumann, and Florence Price persevered, carving out careers in music composition. While many social barriers have lessened in the 21st century, female composers still face challenges. In response, more women are creating provocative pieces that incorporate diverse cultural styles, extended techniques, and social justice themes. Amplifying these voices is crucial for advancing women’s rights. For my project presentation, I will premiere a section from composer Hanna Moore’s piece “Piano is a Woman.” We will explore the evolution of female expression through the piano, the importance of amplifying lesser-known voices in music, and delve into Moore’s composition.
This work was funded, in part, through an Undergraduate Research Award from the UMBC Division of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
It’s been an exciting week filled with everything you need to know about financial wellness! From saving and investing to building credit and budgeting, we've covered it all—and there's still more to come! Plus, there are still scholarships up for grabs! If you missed the details, we’ve listed the scholarships below. You can check them out on Scholarship Retriever for more information.
MSW 2025 Scholarships:
MSW Bingo Card: $1,000 (1 winner)
MSW Attendance: $1,000 (4 winners)
MSW Post-Survey: $500 (2 winners)
MSW Reflection Essay: $2,000 (2 winners)