Rutherford, NJ – May 10, 2019 – Fifty years ago, Felician University’s Lodi Campus Library was established and quickly became a favorite space among students. To honor its 50th anniversary, three of Felician’s most talented Art students will unveil their monumental paintings, which have developed throughout the semester and blossomed into full-fledged masterpieces.

The three oil paintings are representative of timeless issues, exploring notions of the self, faith, and different beliefs. The three pieces entitled Gye Nyama (Fear Nothing Except God) by Jenny Cabrera, Felix Culpa (Happy Fault) by Andrea P. Lindsay, and The Good Pagan by Rasheeda Prince were created in an Advanced Projects course led by Professor Ard Berge, MFA.

Professor Berge said, “Working with these accomplished artists has been an extraordinary experience. I’m delighted that their beautiful and profound paintings will be enjoyed within the contemplative space of the Library’s Reading Room for many years to come.”

The students were able to use Professor Berge’s classroom as an outlet for cathartic exploration and expression, leading them to a point where they can honor their school with the beauty of their creations.

Professor Jodi Shelly, Director of University Libraries, said, “The first time I saw these paintings, they weren’t paintings at all. They were charcoal sketches on brown paper—outlines of the artists’ ideas. As the semester passed by, I witnessed the paintings progress and evolve into something greater. I marvel at the power and talent each artist has to stir inner thought.”

Come experience the profundity of the works for yourselves. Felician University Libraries and the Felician Art Department will celebrate the installation of the paintings in a public reception to honor the artists on Tuesday, May 14, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00pm. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

About Felician University

Felician University engages over 2,300 undergraduate, graduate, and adult students through programs in Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Education. Universal Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University’s education is ranked 3rd best return on investment for private colleges in New Jersey 2018 by the PayScale.com College ROI Report and is ranked #1 safest college campus in the state by niche.com.