Ferguson Art Gallery Presents “Classical Spaces, Current Views” Exhibit

This fall, the Ferguson Art Gallery at Concordia University Chicago invites the community to experience "Classical Spaces, Current Views," a group exhibition of photography and mixed-media collage inspired by the University's recent Classical Education trips. The show runs October 13 through November 14, 2025, and is free and open to the public. A reception will be held in the gallery on Sunday, November 9, from 1 to 3 p.m., featuring an artist talk at 2 p.m.

"The sights, sounds, and flavors of Italy and Greece come to life in this alluring exhibition rooted in Classical Education studies focused on truth, goodness, and beauty," said Professor Nikkole Huss, Ferguson Art Gallery director.

This exhibition highlights work that reflects the beauty, history, and rich heritage of the Classical Education Study Trip destinations, which immerse alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the University in the cultural foundations of the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian worlds. Contributing artists combine both historical inspiration and contemporary interpretation in their work.

"Santa Maria Maggiore Back Door," mixed media collage painting by Maria Gedroc, inspired by the Concordia University Chicago Classical Education Study Trip to Italy, May 2024.

"This exhibition brings together my work of painting, photography, and collage, blending the mediums to reveal timeless places in a way that feels both familiar and newly discovered," said Maria Gedroc, advancement and communications project manager, adjunct art professor, and the featured artist in the show.

Gedroc has shown her work in more than 180 exhibits, including galleries in Venice and Rome. Alongside Gedroc's pieces are those of CUC students, alumni, faculty, staff, and University President Dr. Russell Dawn, who has a photograph featured in the exhibition.

"The real artist of that photograph is God Himself," said Dr. Dawn, in reference to the photo he took of a hilltop city in Sicily. "I looked up from a determined walk and serious conversation, saw a moment of beauty that took my breath away, and tried to capture it."

The Ferguson Art Gallery is located in Kretzmann Hall at Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Professor Huss at [email protected] or (708) 209-3635, or visit the gallery webpage.