Every fall the members of the five-college community watch as thousands of students move into The Valley. In late spring, these students pack up and move on to all imaginable destinations. This perpetual sojourn brings with it a certain momentum, and vital energy. Hampden Gallery is delighted to host visiting artist Nora Valdez as she uses this notion of journey as metaphor for her sculptural installation to be installed in the lobby of Hampden Gallery in late fall. The installation will remain on campus for one year.

The Journey is a site-specific installation that explores aspects of the passage of "every man and woman" as they proceed through life. The brainchild of Argentine artist Nora Valdez (currently residing outside Springfield, MA.) Comprised of life-sized figurative fragments carved from limestone and granite The Journey sculpture installation is a symbol of, and inspiration for, a continuous conversation with the self and others. In a larger sense, The Journey is about the shared human story. The cumulative experience of life comes to bear witness to each changing moment: this is The Journey.

The Journey will be on view from late November 2001 through November of 2002. Hampden Gallery is located in the Hampden Commons located in the Southwest area of the UMass Campus.

Hampden Gallery’s hours are Monday to Thursday. 12pm to 5pm and Sun., 2pm-5pm while the University is in session.