Colgate University Museums’ Newest Acquisition on Display at Picker Art Gallery For Reunion Weekend

More than 125 Colgate faculty, staff, and students cast votes for their preferred piece in the inaugural Art Tank event, the culmination of Professor Elizabeth Marlowe's new, experiential learning course ARTH/MUSE 254: How (and Why) To Buy a Work of Art.

Working in teams, the 16 students in the course pitched acquisition proposals to a packed house in Bernstein Hall on April 30.

The winning piece, Razin' Cane II by contemporary artist Alison Saar, was acquired by Picker Art Gallery with funds established by Elizabeth S. Lasdon '76 and the Hilda and Oscar Lasdon Art Acquisition Endowment and is on display in Picker Art Gallery throughout Reunion Weekend 2026.

A linoleum cut and screen print on a vintage sugar sack, Razin' Cane II will become a part of Colgate's Picker Art Gallery collection, and will provide object-based learning opportunities to Colgate students and faculty across multiple disciplines.

Salem Sokpoli '26, a member of the team of students who delivered the winning pitch says, "I am very excited about the many different ways the Colgate community can and will engage with the piece."

Nicholas West, co-director of University Museums and curator of Picker Art Gallery says the students spent the last two weeks of the class writing acquisition proposals and perfecting their talking points. "They delivered knowledgeable and passionate pitches that brought the works to life for the audience."

Learn more about the course and the April class visit to New York City and Brooklyn to attend the International IFPDA Print Fair in Manhattan and the Brooklyn Print Fair.

Picker Art Gallery hours during Reunion Weekend 2026:

• Friday, May 29: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturday, May 30: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday, May 31: CLOSED