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Montclair State University Exhibition Celebrates Notable Alumni Artists

University Galleries Presents "Carpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts," a cross-generational exhibition on view now through May 3, 2026

Montclair, NJ (02/04/2026) — Montclair State University celebrates the creative achievements of its alumni with "Carpe Diem: Select Alumni in the Visual Arts," a dynamic group exhibition featuring internationally celebrated artists alongside emerging creators. Among the most prominent artists are Bisa Butler '05, renowned for her vibrant quilted portraits that reframe narratives of Black identity; Pope.L '78, the late, groundbreaking conceptual artist whose work reshaped contemporary performance and installation art; and Allen Ginsberg (1943), the iconic poet of the Beat Generation whose legacy continues to influence American culture.

"Carpe Diem" is presented by the Office of Alumni Engagement and Development and Montclair State University Galleries. On view February 3 through May 3, 2026 in the George Segal Gallery, the exhibition brings together the work of 12 accomplished alumni artists whose practices span more than eight decades - from 1943 to 2024. The visual arts exhibition features a wide range of media, including photography, poetry, portrait quilts, mixed media and video installations.

Among the artists are Jonathan Calm '97, whose photography and video work examining mobility and the Black American experience has been exhibited at the Tate Britain and the Studio Museum in Harlem, and Marta Kucsora (2005-06), an internationally recognized painter known for monumental, process-driven abstraction.

Curated by Art and Design Professor Sally Morgan Lehman, founder of New York City's Morgan Lehman Gallery, "Carpe Diem" highlights the depth of artistic inquiry fostered at Montclair State University. The exhibition features nationally and internationally recognized artists alongside emerging voices, underscoring Montclair's role as a launching ground for creative expression.

"'Carpe Diem' reflects what we know to be true about Montclair alumni: creativity does not end at graduation," says Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rita Walters. "Whether art was their major or a parallel passion, these artists demonstrate how learning, curiosity, and creative expression continue to evolve across a lifetime. We are proud to celebrate alumni whose work enriches communities locally and globally."

By celebrating these artists' achievements, Montclair State University reaffirms its commitment to fostering the next generation of visual artists and sustaining a vibrant future for the arts.

Featured Artists

Flavia Berindoague '13

Bisa Butler '05

Jonathan Calm '97

Kyle Coniglio '10

Alyssa Fanning '12

Allen Ginsberg (1943)

Marta Kucsora (2005-06)

Michael Manning '11

Nancy Bergman Pantirer '80

Tiffany Perez '09

Pope.L '78

Maria Valdivia '24

Programs and Events

All exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

Art Forum with "Carpe Diem" Curator Sally Morgan Lehman, 5:20 p.m. Monday, February 9

Art Forum is a speaker series featuring artists, designers, art historians, curators, and art critics from around the world presenting their work and ideas in an open forum, hosted by the Department of Art and Design.

Registration is required.

A Cross-Generational Conversation with Alumni Artists, 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 2

This multi-generational panel celebrates the distinguished women alumni of Montclair. Featuring exhibiting artists Nancy Bergman Pantirer '80, Tiffany Perez '09, and Maria Valdivia '24 in conversation about their careers and creative practices, moderated by curator Sally Morgan Lehman. Registration is required.

Visitor Information

George Segal Gallery, Montclair State University

Exihibit Dates: February 3 - May 3, 2026

George Segal Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 12 - 4 p.m. or by appointment.

The Galleries' free Bloomberg Connects digital guide offers behind-the-scenes insights from artists and curators. Created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is available on the web or via the app and can be accessed for both onsite and offsite visits.

About Montclair State University Galleries
Montclair State University Galleries brings together ideas, perspectives, and dialogue to foster curiosity and shared understanding through art. Through diverse and inclusive exhibitions and programs, the Galleries connect the campus experience with local and global communities.

Media Contact: galleries@montclair.edu, 973-655-3382

About Montclair State University

Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master's and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools.

Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions.

Media Attachments

Nancy Bergman Pantirer’s Metaphorically, 2024, a mixed media collage and acrylic on canvas. (Photo: Courtesy of the artist.)

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