TC Advancing Literacy and the Department of Art and Art Education were awarded a Diversity and Community Initiatives Grant during the 2023-24 school year. The vision was to build an art exhibit intended to bring the vast and diverse community of Teachers College together. The grant was able to sponsor artist Wade Kavanaugh to join students and faculty in building a commissioned piece of art titled Spectrum of Togetherness. Through paper based sculpture and light, the artist molded an initial form, displayed outside of the Gottesman Library. As the piece was installed, students and faculty were invited to contribute, add, and mold their own pieces to the larger piece demonstrating individuality juxtaposed with collaboration. In addition, the artist intended for the piece to represent activism and healing in the spirit of togetherness, both conceptually and aesthetically. The piece remained through graduation to be shared with visitors and families of TC.
Simultaneously, students of the Department of Art and Art Education were invited to exhibit pieces of work in a gallery in the Everett Lounge, adding another layer to the theme of togetherness and inclusion.
TC Advancing Literacy and the Department of Art and Art Education are grateful to the Office of Diversity and Community Affairs and the Gottesman Library for the opportunity to share Spectrum of Togetherness with the TC Community.