Montclair State University Galleries will present “Carpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts” from February 3 to May 3, 2026, at the George Segal Gallery. The cross-generational group exhibition features 12 accomplished alumni artists whose careers span from 1943 to 2024, including internationally recognized figures such as Bisa Butler, Pope.L, and Allen Ginsberg. Curated by Art and Design Professor Sally Morgan Lehman, the show highlights a range of media—photography, poetry, quilted portraits, mixed media, and video installations—and includes both established and emerging voices.
This exhibition matters because it underscores Montclair State University’s role as a launchpad for creative talent and demonstrates the lifelong impact of arts education. By bringing together artists from different generations, “Carpe Diem” celebrates the enduring creative evolution of alumni and reinforces the university’s commitment to fostering the next generation of visual artists. The show also connects the campus community with free public programs, including an artist forum and a panel discussion focused on women alumni.