Studio Art

Art opening to view the art made by the spring 2026 art thesis students.

Drop in to learn about the eco-friendly photographic process of anthotypes and make images using light-sensitive emulsions made entirely of plants. Visiting artists from the current Johnson Gallery exhibition, Eco Echo: Persistence of Conscience, will be working with students from the Department of Studio Art’s Magic & Materials: The Alchemy of Photography course to provide materials and guidance for all members of the Middlebury community to create their own anthotypes. FREE

Justin O’Rourke creates steel sculptures and large-scale, object-based drawings. His practice draws upon inspiration from childhood experiences exploring the industrial ruins of West Rutland, Vermont, and adventures as a hydroelectric mechanic. These, along with observations of nature and a playful, imaginative vision, are the foundation for his unique voice. O’Rourke manipulates and varies scale, an intentional device used to incite viewer response.

Join artists Morgan Barrie, Megan Jacobs, and Sarah Knoebel of the Eco Echo Collective for a series of lectures regarding their current exhibition, Eco Echo: Persistence of Conscience at the Johnson Exhibition Gallery. The presentations will be followed by a gallery walkthrough and discussion with the artists and Associate Professor Michelle Leftheris on working as part of an environmentally conscious art collective. FREE

Sponsored by the Department of Studio Art and the Cameron Visiting Artist Fund

Liz Deschenes is a photographer who, in the best modernist tradition, pushes against the basic terms by which photography is conventionally defined: instantaneity, veracity, fixity, or reproducibility,” writes curator and critic Matthew Witkovsky. Indeed, Deschenes uses durational photogramatic exposure to create unique, shifting surfaces that frequently function as sculptural or architectural rather than photographic objects.

Shannon Palmer will demonstrate how a kimono and its components are layered, tied, and worn for different occasions. Palmer has studied the intricacies of wearing kimono for many years and worked in a formal kimono rental shop during her time in Japan. Dressing model: Josie Coan ’29.

This multidisciplinary exhibit explores the kimono in dialogue with Japanese literature, Western aesthetics, fashion, and fiber crafts. 

Free and open to the public. Located in the Johnson Memorial Building 78 Chateau Rd. Johnson Exhibition Gallery, 2nd floor. Open Monday through Thursday 1-7PM, Friday 9AM-4PM

On Thursday, January 29th, the College community and the public are invited to the dedication of the timber frame of a Japanese teahouse, built by twelve students over the course of the four-week 2026 Winter Term. The teahouse will be dedicated in a traditional Shinto ceremony.  
Taught by Douglas Brooks, a builder of boats and other traditional structures who has extensive experience working in Japan, the course is entitled Building the Japanese Teahouse and seeks to introduce students to the pedagogy of Japanese appren

Fall 2025 ART700 class capstone thesis exhibition of artworks, including painting, photography, illustration, design, sculpture, installation, and more! The exhibition will run from December 5th, 2025, to December 12th, 2025. Open daily Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Johnson Exhibition Gallery, Johnson Memorial Building, 78 Chateau Rd.