Bowling Green State University (BGSU) art history students have curated the exhibition 'Italy in the Artist's Imagination,' now on view at the Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery until December 10. The show draws from the university's permanent collection and submissions from faculty, students, and alumni, all inspired by Italy. It highlights BGSU's long-standing study-abroad programs in Florence, including the now-closed Studio Art Centers International (SACI) and the International Studies Institute of Florence. During the curation process, students encountered authenticity questions regarding a set of Salvador Dalí prints, which led them to reframe the display as an interactive lesson on forgery detection.
The exhibition matters because it represents the first student-curated show in BGSU's School of Art, made possible by donor support and the RING Center for Experiential Learning in Art and Design. It provides art history students with hands-on curatorial experience, from selection to research and installation. The Dalí print controversy also underscores the importance of provenance and connoisseurship in art history education, turning a potential setback into a valuable learning tool for students and visitors alike.