Lars MacGhee is an Art and Design major in their junior year at Alfred University. In Lars’ Space and Place class, they were taught the art of installing artwork, specifically how to make art harmonize with its surroundings. For the class’s final project, students were asked to find a location on campus to create their own installation. Lars decided that one of the campus flagpoles would be the perfect spot for their piece.
“I wanted to explore what flags can stand for when they’re separated from ownership over a landscape and instead could stand for people, joy, and love.”
During their freshman year at Alfred University, Lars took the Robert C. Turner Gallery internship class. There, they learned how to run and maintain a gallery space. Students enrolled in the course act as docents, caring for the gallery, assisting other artists with installations, answering questions during shows, and helping protect their fellow students’ artwork.
“I was thinking a lot about pattern in my own work and in other people's work in textiles, and in mediums where you don't typically see pattern as much, like ceramic or glass.”
Lars’ passion for creativity, art, and people shined in their gallery show, Matter Pattern. The show featured artwork exploring the use of pattern across a variety of mediums. Matter Pattern was hosted inside the Robert C. Turner Gallery, Alfred University’s student‑run gallery, where students like Lars are given the opportunity to organize and curate their own exhibitions.
“I love that Alfred allows you to push yourself with curatorial projects like this.”
Alfred University gave Lars the chance to learn firsthand how to manage and curate a real gallery featuring 20 artists and more than 40 pieces. Not only was it a résumé‑worthy experience, but it also allowed Lars to build meaningful connections with faculty and fellow students.
“It’s so different seeing your work in a gallery setting as opposed to in your studio.”
Alfred University provides students like Lars with countless opportunities to see their work displayed publicly. The Robert C. Turner Gallery supports Alfred’s students by giving them a space to build their leadership and curation skills while freely experimenting with their artistic expression.
