A new art exhibit in Cook Library is illuminating the range of faiths within TU’s campus community and encouraging multifaith dialogue and expression.

The Towson Community Multi-Faith Art Show has seven works completed by TU students to represent their personal religious and spiritual beliefs. The pieces represent a variety of faiths and perspectives, including Christianity, Islam and Judaism. They are on display through the summer in the library’s second floor lobby and sitting area.

The exhibit was curated by math professor and Muslim chaplain Moustapha Pemy and Towson Hillel executive director Rabbi Alex Salzberg. The two first envisioned the exhibit while brainstorming opportunities for multifaith expression as part of their work on TU’s Religious & Spiritual Coordinating Council (RSCC).

"Our goal is to help students learn more about each other, because understanding each other enables us to create a better environment for everyone."

Moustapha Pemy, math professor and Muslim chaplain 

“We wanted to show the university community the many faiths that exist on campus,” Pemy says. “Our goal is to help students learn more about each other, because understanding each other enables us to create a better environment for everyone.”

The exhibit officially opened on April 9 with a reception and a panel discussion with the show’s curators. Artists were in attendance to answer questions about their works and panelists facilitated a conversation about the value of artistic expression within religious spaces. Some attendees participated in a collaborative community art project, sharing the traditions and values that guide their lives on strips of colored gel paper to create a stained-glass style display of spirituality, community and faith. Community art project submissions remain open with the goal of showcasing a variety of perspectives to promote understanding and discussion.

“We know dialogue helps us connect across differences within all communities, including our faith-based communities,” says Brian Jara, director of inclusive excellence education and support. “Facilitating that dialogue is more important now than ever.”

"We know dialogue helps us connect across differences within all communities, including our faith-based communities. Facilitating that dialogue is more important now than ever."

Brian Jara, director of inclusive excellence education and support

In addition to the art exhibit, TU’s Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity (OIIE) is facilitating multifaith dialogue through dedicated sessions as well as programming being planned for the next academic year. Supported by grant funding, their efforts aim to help all members of the campus community find belonging by bringing their whole selves to TU—which for some includes religion.

“We want to normalize religious and spiritual diversity on our campus, so students know there are more and more ways to build community for themselves,” says Adrian Marston, coordinator for inclusive excellence education and support.

The Towson Community Multi-Faith Art Show will be on display in Cook Library through the end of summer. Visit the Cook Library website for operating hours.