Seen

Hillside,
Chancellor’s House

Chancellor Javier Reyes and his wife, Maritza, are not the only new additions to Hillside, the 19th-century Chancellor’s house perched just off Thatcher Way. Now on display in the home is a collection of works created by renowned figures in pop art—a style created in the United States in the 1950s that drew inspiration from and poked fun at popular culture and consumerism. Hanging throughout the hosting areas of the residence are comic book-inspired works by Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997), a labor movement-themed lithograph by Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008), and a screen print from Andy Warhol’s (1928–1987) famous Campbell’s Soup series.

“Introducing more people to the art world, which has historically been elite, is one of our highest priorities at the museum,” explains University Museum of Contemporary Art Interim Director Amanda Herman. “By collecting and sharing the work of recognizable pop art pieces … we hope to create a more democratized point of entry for potential art lovers from all backgrounds.”

The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 450 pop art pieces, which can be viewed for free in person and online.

UMass Amherst’s own teaching museum, the professionally-staffed University Museum of Contemporary Art works closely with the departments of art and the history of art and architecture. Mounting several large-scale exhibitions each year, the UMCA provides students with opportunities to immerse themselves in planning exhibitions and manage the permanent collection.