The Lilley Museum of Art at the University of Nevada, Reno has launched a new exhibition titled 'To Hold a Form: Art with Sound in the Work of Jennie C. Jones, LaRissa Rogers and Naama Tsabar.' Curated by Executive Director and Chief Curator Stephanie Gibson, the show features immersive, interactive works that blend visual art and sound. A highlight was a site-specific performance by artist-in-residence Naama Tsabar, collaborating with musicians Ruby Barrientos, Sophie Duvall, Jonesy, Sarah Strauss, and Karlie Watson, which filled the museum with unusual sounds from guitars, wooden platforms, and strings. The exhibition remains open for visitors to touch and activate Tsabar's felt-and-piano-wire sculptures, challenging traditional museum norms.
This exhibition matters because it redefines the museum experience by inviting tactile engagement and auditory exploration, breaking down the conventional 'look but don't touch' barrier. By integrating sound, sculpture, and performance, it encourages visitors to think about art and interaction in new ways, fostering a collaborative and sensory-rich environment. The show also highlights the role of university museums in presenting cutting-edge, interdisciplinary art that involves students and local musicians, making contemporary art accessible and participatory for a broader audience.