Following on the heels of the Summer of Love, 1968 seemed like a world apart. It was a year of social experimentation and optimism, but also a year of rebellion, assassination, political agitation, and violence. 

At the start of 2017, longstanding political and social rifts in the United States created a sense of fear and anxiety on many campuses across the US. Our sense of a collective public purpose and our desire for an engaged democracy — so important to the public mission of UMass Amherst — were challenged in many ways. The “Building Bridges” project grew out of this key moment. 

What does it mean for the fields of art and math to intersect? This exhibition offers glimpses into the work of Pau Atela, a professor in the Department of Mathematics at Smith College, that show how bridges can indeed be built between these two worlds.

This is the latest in a series of exhibitions that highlights the artwork of UMass Amherst Worker Artists.

Aptly titled in honor of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s iconic poem, We Wear The Mask displays Dorrance Hill’s creative depth and many years of experience in a long awaited exhibit.