An art exhibit at Florida International University's Graham Center piano lounge features 22 paintings that insert FIU's mascot Roary and campus landmarks into iconic works of art, such as Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and van Gogh's "Starry Night." Created by alumni and staff members Wendy X. Ordóñez and Oscar D. Hernandez using the Procreate software, the exhibit aims to blend campus pride with historic art while promoting student health and wellness services. The show, now in its second year, attracted 560 attendees at its opening and includes free merchandise featuring the designs.
The exhibit matters because it creatively uses visual art to raise awareness about student health resources, including counseling, clinical care, and free services funded by student fees. By merging familiar art history with campus iconography, the project engages students in a non-traditional setting, encouraging them to learn about wellness offerings while fostering a sense of community and pride. This approach demonstrates how art can serve as an effective tool for institutional outreach and student engagement beyond traditional gallery contexts.