Audio Description written and narrated by Elise Schaffer, Coordinator of Museum Experience and Accessibility.

Audio descriptions at LUAG are created by museum staff and students with the help of community feedback. If you have questions or suggestions about audio descriptions at Lehigh University Art Galleries, please feel free to reach out to inluag@lehigh.edu.

American, born 1987

Untitled, Created in 2023

Hand-carved gypsum and acrylic on wood

Size: 96 inches x 48 inches x 3"(depth)                         

Fine Arts Endowment Purchase

Collection ID#: LUS 2023 1001             
                          

Audio Description written and narrated by Micaela Cortese, Lehigh University Class of 2026.

American, birth date 1939, death date 2018

Untitled, Created in 1968

Oil on canvas

Size: 82 inches x 112 inches

Gift of A. Haigh Cundey 

Collection ID#: LUP 96 1000

Audio Description written and narrated by Micaela Cortese, Lehigh University Class of 2026

Audio descriptions at LUAG are created by museum staff and students with the help of community feedback. If you have questions or suggestions about audio descriptions at Lehigh University Art Galleries, please feel free to reach out to inluag@lehigh.edu.

Cuban, b. 1957

Dialogando (Dialoguing), created in 2008

Two-color etching on paper

8.875 x 11.750

Gift of the Artist 

LUG 10 1080

Audio Description written by Micaela Cortese, Class of 2026

Artwork Information: 
Chicken Little, Created in 1982
Nellie Mae Rowe
Graphite, pen, crayon, sketchbook paper
Gift of the Judith Alexander Foundation
LUG 2023 1003

Audio Description written and narrated by Micaela Cortest, LUAG Accessibility Intern. 

Artwork Information: 
George Segal

American, 1924-2000

Girl on a Chair, Created in 1970

36" x 24" x 12" 

Plaster and painted wood 100/150

Gift of Richard Roth 

LUS 78 1004

Audio Description written by Allyshia Mohr, Visitor Services Assistant 

Artwork Information: 
Katie Hovencamp

Venus Fly Trap Flasher

Ink on paper 

Purchase from artist 

LUG 2022 1059

Audio Description written by Allyshia Mohr, Visitor Services Assistant 

Artwork Information: 
Frida in Bed (with coral above bed) , Created in 1946

Héctor García Cobo

Gelatin silver print 

Approx. 11 inches x 13 inches 

Photography Endowment Purchase

LUF 2015 1314

Audio Description written by Allyshia Mohr, Visitor Services Assistant 

Audio Description by the Social Audio Description Collective
Writers: Elaine Lillian Joseph and Eboni Gaytan

Blind Quality Control: Nefertiti Matos Olivares

Narrators: Barbara Faison, Thomas Reid

Audio Editing & Project Lead: Thomas Reid

Audio Description and Narration by the Social Audio Description Collective
Writers: Elaine Lillian Joseph and Eboni Gaytan

Blind Quality Control: Nefertiti Matos Olivares

Narrators: Barbara Faison, Thomas Reid

Audio Editing & Project Lead: Thomas Reid

Audio Description and Narration by the Social Audio Description Collective
Writers: Elaine Lillian Joseph and Eboni Gaytan

Blind Quality Control: Nefertiti Matos Olivares

Narrators: Barbara Faison, Thomas Reid

Audio Editing & Project Lead: Thomas Reid

Audio Description and Narration by the Social Audio Description Collective
Writers: Elaine Lillian Joseph and Eboni Gaytan

Blind Quality Control: Nefertiti Matos Olivares

Narrators: Barbara Faison, Thomas Reid

Audio Editing & Project Lead: Thomas Reid

Audio Description and Narration by the Social Audio Description Collective
Writers: Elaine Lillian Joseph and Eboni Gaytan

Blind Quality Control: Nefertiti Matos Olivares

Narrators: Barbara Faison, Thomas Reid

Audio Editing & Project Lead: Thomas Reid

Audio Description by the Social Audio Description Collective
Writers: Elaine Lillian Joseph and Eboni Gaytan

Blind Quality Control: Nefertiti Matos Olivares

Narrators: Barbara Faison, Thomas Reid

Audio Editing & Project Lead: Thomas Reid

Audio Description by the Social Audio Description Collective
Writers: Elaine Lillian Joseph and Eboni Gaytan

Blind Quality Control: Nefertiti Matos Olivares

Narrators: Barbara Faison, Thomas Reid

Audio Editing & Project Lead: Thomas Reid

Audio Description by the Social Audio Description Collective
Writers: Elaine Lillian Joseph and Eboni Gaytan

Blind Quality Control: Nefertiti Matos Olivares

Narrators: Barbara Faison, Thomas Reid

Audio Editing & Project Lead: Thomas Reid

Artwork Information:

Sandra Ramos Lorenzo. Cuban, Born 1975. La Balsa / The Raft, Created in 1994. Color etching on paper. Fine Art Endowment Purchase. LUG 02 1020.

Audio Description written and narrated by Micaela Cortese, Lehigh University Class of 2026

Artwork Information:
George Segal. American (born 1924 and died 2000). Young Girl Against Door, created in 1998. Plaster, wood, metal, and paint.

Size: 63 inches by 31 ½ inches by 12 inches. Collection ID: LUS 2019 1001.

Audio Description written and narrated by Allyshia Mohr, Visitor Service Assistant.

Artwork Information:
Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons. Cuban, Born 1959. Above All Things, Created in 1997. Large format Polaroid triptych. Photography Endowment Purchase. LUF 99 1009 A-C.                               

Audio Description written and narrated by Micaela Cortese, Lehigh University Class of 2026

Artwork Information:
Ricardo Viera. Cuban - American, 1945 - 2020. Tres Palmeras En Azul, Created in 1980. Screenprint, Edition 10/10. Gift of Ricardo Viera. LUG 12 1015.

Gateway to Himalayan Art introduces the main forms, concepts, meanings, and traditions of Himalayan art with objects from the collection of the Rubin Museum of Art, New York. The exhibition encompasses parts of present-day India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mongolia. Gateway invites exploration of these diverse cultural spheres through exemplary objects presented in three thematic sections: Symbols and Meanings, Materials and Technologies, and Living Practices. This traveling exhibition is organized and provided by the Rubin Museum of Art and curated by Senior Curator of Himalayan Art Elena Pakhoutova. It is an integral component of the Rubin Museum’s Project Himalayan Art, a three-part initiative. More information can be found online at www.luag.org. 

Object Information:

Wheel of Existence

Tibet; 18th century 

Pigments on cloth 

Image size: 24 x 16 ⅝ in

Rubin Museum of Art 

F1997.40.10 (HAR 591)

Audio description written and recorded by Lehigh University Student and LUAG Student Staff Member, Micaela Cortese '26. 

Gateway to Himalayan Art introduces the main forms, concepts, meanings, and traditions of Himalayan art with objects from the collection of the Rubin Museum of Art, New York. The exhibition encompasses parts of present-day India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mongolia. Gateway invites exploration of these diverse cultural spheres through exemplary objects presented in three thematic sections: Symbols and Meanings, Materials and Technologies, and Living Practices. This traveling exhibition is organized and provided by the Rubin Museum of Art and curated by Senior Curator of Himalayan Art Elena Pakhoutova. It is an integral component of the Rubin Museum’s Project Himalayan Art, a three-part initiative. More information can be found online at www.luag.org. 

Object Information:
Mahakala 

Tibet; 17th century 

Bronze 

8 ¾ x 4 ½ x 6 ⅜ in 

Rubin Museum of Art 

C2005.41.1 (HAR 65582)

Mounted on a black base 

Audio description written and recorded by Lehigh University Student and LUAG Student Staff Member, Micaela Cortese '26. 

Artwork selected by Scott Burden, Director, Pride Center, Lehigh University.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Andy Po, Owner, HomeBase Skateshop.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Dr. Julie Miwa, Associate Professor, Neuroscience, Lehigh University.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Melanie Lino, Owner, Made By Lino and Lit Coffee, Bethlehem

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Eric J. Ruth,Co-Founder and CEO, Kellyn Foundation.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Jenny Lim, Owner, Jenny's Kuali Restaurant, Bethlehem.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Dr. Christopher Liang, Professor and Chair, Department of Education and Human Services, Lehigh University.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Yadira ("Yari") Colon Lopez.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Dr. Floyd Beachum, Professor, Educational Leadership Program, Lehigh University

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO, ArtsQuest

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Winston Alozie, Chief Executive Officer, Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Dr. Jack Silva, Assistant Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, Bethlehem Area School District (BASD).

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Ramona LaBarre, Managing Director, Godfrey Daniels Coffeehouse

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by M. Rayah Levy, Librarian, Educator, and Director of The Black Bethlehem Project. 

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Ian Panyko, Director, Cafe The Lodge, Resources for Human Development

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Erin Zerbertavage, Manager, Southside Arts District.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Lisa Jordan, Managing Director and Ensemble Member, Touchstone Theatre.

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

Artwork selected by Janine Carambot Santoro, Director of Equity and Inclusion, City of Bethlehem

Selected artwork from Lehigh University Art Galleries' exhibition, What Matters Most. On view through May 27, 2023 on the South Bethlehem Greenway. For more information, visit www.luag.org. 

created and shown in 1990 for the landmark exhibition Black USA at the Museum Overholland, Amsterdam, which was a significant venue because it recognized the lack of exposure of African American artists in Europe at that time. The original work indicated a moment of political optimism, coinciding with Nelson Mandela’s release from Robben Island and the election of David Dinkins as the first black mayor of New York City. (B. Bland, Lehman College)

enjoying late career recognition at the nation’s most prominent museums. Holley says, “I didn’t understand that, just being a simple African-American, self-taught, never having a proper education, I could come into an art world like this now.” (B. Bland, Lehman College)

shimmer across the works’ surfaces, as if across the surface of water. The dense surface of staples obscures the images, but creates a kind of modern chainmail surface, which both protects and pins those figures like butterflies to the board. (B. Bland, Lehman College)

brown communities in New York City. She has examined issues around school desegregation and contemporary resegregation as gentrification has taken hold in Brooklyn. The partially obscured figure in Magnet School I, leads us to ruminate on both the intended and unintended consequences

of policies of modern education, such as the creation of magnet schools, designed to attract more diverse student bodies. (B. Bland, Lehman College)

brown communities in New York City. She has examined issues around school desegregation and contemporary resegregation as gentrification has taken hold in Brooklyn. The partially obscured figure in Magnet School I, leads us to ruminate on both the intended and unintended consequences

of policies of modern education, such as the creation of magnet schools, designed to attract more diverse student bodies. (B. Bland, Lehman College)

trying to put on a new personality to make people feel more comfortable.” (B. Bland, Lehman College)

myself at the disposal of other people.”  The artist’s themes are reflected in this delicate drawing of two woebegone fantastical characters—a sad-eyed mouselike being, and a spikey creature who seems to have fallen and can’t get up. 4.3.15 is part of a drawing series that Blake initiated on January 1, 2015, to make at least one drawing every single day. Combined, this year of drawings captures a range of moods and becomes a kind of ongoing artist’s

diary. (B. Bland, Lehman College)

or altered identity. The artist began her fencing mask series after finding a vintage photograph of two African American soldiers engaged in a fencing match. In taking this image as a point of engagement to make masks ornamented with feathers, horse hairs, and decoration, she created wall

sculptures that simultaneously suggest allure and danger. (B. Bland, Lehman College)

with the personal. Her models are often strangers, but she selects those whose appearance is reminiscent of people she knows. Distinctly staged, her images, critics have noted, are “suspended somewhere between European Renaissance painting and African studio portraiture.” Many of her

subjects are nude, and frequently her images are imbued with a provocative sexual tension that plays with the viewer. The images are ultimately positive, as the artist says she wants to “affirm the sacred black body.” (B. Bland, Lehman College)

especially within the black community.” (B. Bland, Lehman College)

floral fragrance White Diamonds. (B. Bland, Lehman College)

information to the viewer. Much of Cherry’s work is waggishly tongue in cheek, and she creates beautiful, highly sexualized female figures of stars and sex workers. Ghost Leviathan draws its title from a large and aggressive sea creature in the video game Subnautica, which allows the player to explore an alien ocean. Acknowledging that identity is shaped by a confluence of sources, one critic notes that Cherry’s figures seem shaped “in equal part by society, technology, and their own selves.” (B. Bland, Lehman College)

touches of nature, and the quick dash of inspiration captured on canvas. (B. Bland, Lehman College)

retain their secrets or maintain their composure, that put you to work.” (B. Bland, Lehman College)

Split, 2013,

Acrylic and charcoal on canvas

In 1970, the celebrated singer and activist Nina Simone and the poet Weldon Irvine released the song, “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black,” which became an anthem commemorating the achievements of the African American community during the Black Power movement. Nearly fifty years later, this exhibition, drawn from the Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art, celebrates Simone’s prideful call to action. Young, Gifted, and Black—with over forty contemporary artworks made in the last thirty-five years—arrives at a moment of unprecedented visibility for black artists who have historically been underrepresented in museums and major collections. Younger-generation voices, in dialogue with established predecessors, explore questions of race, sexuality, power, and history, while also pushing the boundaries of artistic practice. Some of the works on view address the daily, real-world struggles of African Americans, while others focus on more personal—and more universal—questions of identity. We hope that this exhibition will inspire your own investigation into the same questions these young and gifted artists are asking.

These audio descriptions are for works exhibited at Lehigh University Art Galleries in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania during a nationwide tour. The exhibition dates February 1st to May 27, 2022.

If you require assistance or accommodations during your visit to the gallery, please let the gallery attendant know. 

Curatorial credits - Antwaun Sargent and Matt Wycoff

Research credits - Additional exhibition and artwork information provided by Bartholomew F. Bland, Executive Director, Lehman College Art Gallery, City University of New York and the Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection.

Audio Descriptions written and recorded by Nicole Sardella of AD by Nicole. 

Image: Tunji Adeniyi-Jones; Blue Dancer, 2017; Oil on canvas; © Tunji Adeniyi-Jones