Case Study
College Hosts Civil Rights Exhibit
Celebrating Martin Luther King day with art
The Talbot Scholars Program at St. Joseph’s College of Maine hosted a month-long exhibit of AWTT portraits, opening on Martin Luther King Day.
“This art exhibit features the rich artwork of American civil rights history through captivating portraits from American Who Tell The Truth by artist Robert Shetterly. These vibrant canvases speak volumes to the resilience, courage, and triumph of individuals who have shaped our nation’s narrative. The canvases will be displayed around campus 24/7 with selected student work showcased alongside these portraits.”
The portraits for the exhibit were chosen by students. Chance Mutimukeye ‘27 chose the portrait of Gerald E. Talbot, for whom her scholarship program is named. (Learn more from Chance’s Instagram video.)
The exhibition was open to the public. Paintings were displayed at several campus venues, including a popular student gathering area, the Baggot Street Café, and two main academic buildings, Alfond Hall and Mercy Hall. Members of the SJC Community submitted their own artwork inspired by Civil Rights and Community, to complement the AWWT exhibit.
More about the Talbot Scholars Program
This scholarship program is named after Maine civil rights leader Gerald E. Talbot. The purpose of the program is to provide access, support, and success to students from historically underserved communities.
A reflection of the College’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, the program is designed to prepare future leaders in the work of building sustainable communities – in Maine, across the country, and around the world.
When launching the program in 2021, Saint Joseph’s College President Jim Dlugos said: “We are excited to honor and expand Gerald Talbot’s incredible legacy of justice, right here at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. This program will not only open doors to learning that have historically been out of reach, but will create new leaders with the skills and spirit to advance what our world sorely needs – community.”
Talbot Scholars are supported by bridge programming designed to facilitate the transition from high school or work to the College. The program’s goals include a higher graduation rate for Talbot Scholars than their peers across American higher education, as well as a job in a field of their choice (or graduate or professional school) within six months of graduation.
Go to St. Joseph’s site to learn more about the scholarship program.
