University of Bridgeport's Art Gallery Reopens with A.I. Exhibition Bridging Art and Technology
On October 2, 2025, the University of Bridgeport (UB) proudly reopened its Schelfhaudt Gallery, marking the long-awaited revival of the cultural space located within the Arnold Bernhard Center for the Arts and Humanities. This reopening is significant, as it represents the first exhibition since 2019 and showcases UB's dedication to re-energizing the arts within both the university and the broader Bridgeport community.
The evening commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, celebrating the gallery's inaugural exhibit named 'AI Co-Create'. This exhibition is not just a collection of artwork; it represents a groundbreaking fusion of creativity and technology, featuring local and regional artists who incorporate artificial intelligence into their artistic processes. As the attendees explored the exhibit, discussions ensued regarding the collaborative relationship between artists and technology, encouraging viewers to reflect on how such innovations may enhance, rather than replace, the creative spirit.
Curated by the gallery's namesake and renowned artist Peter Schelfhaudt, 'AI Co-Create' invites attendees to contemplate the evolving nature of artistry in an era increasingly influenced by technology. UB President Danielle Wilken remarked on this initiative as a symbol of the university's rebirth, emphasizing the importance of fostering vibrant spaces for community engagement and artistic expression. "This opening fits within everything we're doing to bring new life to the Arnold Bernhard Center," she stated, noting the relevance of the exhibition's focus on artificial intelligence given that UB is home to Connecticut's first master's program in this cutting-edge field.
The exhibition drew a diverse crowd including students, faculty, staff, and community members, sparking lively and sometimes contentious debates about the role of artificial intelligence in creative processes. Amy Nawrocki, Dean of UB's College of Science and Society, celebrated the event's success, highlighting the importance of community connectivity through art. "Seeing students, staff, faculty, and community artists engage in conversation, interact with exhibits, mingle, and celebrate is inspiring," she commented, reflecting the evening's palpable energy.
Visitors expressed various reactions as they encountered the art forms presented. Lynzie Lawton, a Human Services major and student-athlete, shared her excitement about experiencing A.I. art for the first time, saying, "It's different from any art I've seen in galleries." Similarly, UB alumna Shireen Lehman noted, "The artists here have really used AI in a wonderful way to enhance their already creative ideas."
The 'AI Co-Create' exhibition consists of a diverse array of artistic expressions—from sculpture and photography to digital art and multimedia installations. Artists such as Alison Pasquini exemplify this blend of traditional and modern methods by integrating AI with classical oil and acrylic painting techniques. "It's a mixture of hand and technology," she explained, urging viewers to look closely to appreciate the subtleties in the work.
In reaffirming its commitment to the arts, the University of Bridgeport highlights the vibrant artistic community within Bridgeport, allowing both local and emerging artists to share the platform with established talents from around the world. Schelfhaudt remarked, "The arts provide hope, stimulation, and reflection," underscoring the essential role art plays in society's cultural fabric.
As a component of UB's revitalization efforts, the Schelfhaudt Gallery is positioned as a central hub for both visual and performing arts, featuring various facilities that overlook the scenic Long Island Sound. Open Fridays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. until October 31, 2025, the gallery will welcome visitors eager to explore the intersection of art and technology. Following 'AI Co-Create', the upcoming exhibit 'Connections', curated by Suzanne Kachmar of Bridgeport's City Lights Gallery, will open on November 8, showcasing an array of artists from Westport, Bridgeport, and beyond to celebrate the dynamic regional art scene.
For further updates and details about events and exhibitions at the University of Bridgeport, interested parties can visit www.bridgeport.edu.
The evening commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, celebrating the gallery's inaugural exhibit named 'AI Co-Create'. This exhibition is not just a collection of artwork; it represents a groundbreaking fusion of creativity and technology, featuring local and regional artists who incorporate artificial intelligence into their artistic processes. As the attendees explored the exhibit, discussions ensued regarding the collaborative relationship between artists and technology, encouraging viewers to reflect on how such innovations may enhance, rather than replace, the creative spirit.
Curated by the gallery's namesake and renowned artist Peter Schelfhaudt, 'AI Co-Create' invites attendees to contemplate the evolving nature of artistry in an era increasingly influenced by technology. UB President Danielle Wilken remarked on this initiative as a symbol of the university's rebirth, emphasizing the importance of fostering vibrant spaces for community engagement and artistic expression. "This opening fits within everything we're doing to bring new life to the Arnold Bernhard Center," she stated, noting the relevance of the exhibition's focus on artificial intelligence given that UB is home to Connecticut's first master's program in this cutting-edge field.
The exhibition drew a diverse crowd including students, faculty, staff, and community members, sparking lively and sometimes contentious debates about the role of artificial intelligence in creative processes. Amy Nawrocki, Dean of UB's College of Science and Society, celebrated the event's success, highlighting the importance of community connectivity through art. "Seeing students, staff, faculty, and community artists engage in conversation, interact with exhibits, mingle, and celebrate is inspiring," she commented, reflecting the evening's palpable energy.
Visitors expressed various reactions as they encountered the art forms presented. Lynzie Lawton, a Human Services major and student-athlete, shared her excitement about experiencing A.I. art for the first time, saying, "It's different from any art I've seen in galleries." Similarly, UB alumna Shireen Lehman noted, "The artists here have really used AI in a wonderful way to enhance their already creative ideas."
The 'AI Co-Create' exhibition consists of a diverse array of artistic expressions—from sculpture and photography to digital art and multimedia installations. Artists such as Alison Pasquini exemplify this blend of traditional and modern methods by integrating AI with classical oil and acrylic painting techniques. "It's a mixture of hand and technology," she explained, urging viewers to look closely to appreciate the subtleties in the work.
In reaffirming its commitment to the arts, the University of Bridgeport highlights the vibrant artistic community within Bridgeport, allowing both local and emerging artists to share the platform with established talents from around the world. Schelfhaudt remarked, "The arts provide hope, stimulation, and reflection," underscoring the essential role art plays in society's cultural fabric.
As a component of UB's revitalization efforts, the Schelfhaudt Gallery is positioned as a central hub for both visual and performing arts, featuring various facilities that overlook the scenic Long Island Sound. Open Fridays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. until October 31, 2025, the gallery will welcome visitors eager to explore the intersection of art and technology. Following 'AI Co-Create', the upcoming exhibit 'Connections', curated by Suzanne Kachmar of Bridgeport's City Lights Gallery, will open on November 8, showcasing an array of artists from Westport, Bridgeport, and beyond to celebrate the dynamic regional art scene.
For further updates and details about events and exhibitions at the University of Bridgeport, interested parties can visit www.bridgeport.edu.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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