DePaul University senior Christa Baclia-an has created a micro-art gallery inside a rented commuter locker (No. 121) in the Schmitt Academic Center, called “Locker Room.” The project rotates exhibitions every two weeks and is open to students and passersby. It was launched in response to the planned closure of the DePaul Art Museum (DPAM) due to budget cuts, and features work from both DePaul students and international artists, such as London-based Lee Tzur. The initiative is part of a growing DIY art scene on campus, with students curating shows and fostering community engagement in unconventional spaces.
This story matters because it highlights how students are adapting to the loss of institutional art spaces by creating their own grassroots alternatives. The “Locker Room” demonstrates the resilience and resourcefulness of emerging artists in the face of budget-driven closures, and underscores the importance of student-led initiatives in maintaining arts visibility and community connection on university campuses. It also reflects broader trends in the art world toward accessible, low-cost, and participatory exhibition models.