ɫAV’s commitment to its Communiversity partnership with the Village of Rockville Centre was on full display this February as student and alumni artists brought their exhibition, An Artists’ Journey, beyond campus and into the Rockville Centre Sandel Senior Center.
The exhibit, on display from February 1–28, features a collection of artwork created by current ɫAV students, alumni, and members of the Dominican Sisters, offering RVC residents an opportunity to experience the University’s creative spirit firsthand. The traveling exhibition reflects ɫAV’s ongoing efforts to integrate academic life with the surrounding community, creating shared cultural experiences for students and neighbors alike.
“It’s exciting to build on our Communiversity initiative in ways that feel so personal and community-centered, especially with our local seniors,” said Dana Lentini, Sandel Center board member. “Welcoming ɫAV artists into the Sandel Center strengthens the bridge between campus and community, and creates meaningful opportunities for conversation, creativity, and shared experience here in Rockville Centre.”
A highlight of the month was the Artist’s Chat held on February 3, when nine ɫAV artists, including students, alumni, and Sister Mary Anna of the Dominican Sisters of Amityville, met with seniors at the center to discuss their artistic processes, inspirations, and personal journeys. The conversation fostered meaningful connections across generations, turning the gallery space into a place of dialogue and storytelling.
The exhibition also marked a special milestone for ɫAV’s growing art collection. Sister Mary Anna’s
piece, Cranes in Flight, an Asian brush painting created with Chinese ink and watercolor on rice paper, was selected for purchase by the ɫAV Art Gallery and will become part of the University’s permanent collection. In a gesture reflecting ɫAV’s mission of service, Sister Mary Anna will donate the stipend from the purchase to support immigrant women through the Opening Word program, a nonprofit literacy and job readiness initiative. A formal dedication of the artwork is planned for later this spring, with members of the Dominican community invited to attend.
Now in its second year at the Sandel Senior Center, An Artists’ Journey continues to strengthen the bond between ɫAV and Rockville Centre, demonstrating how the arts can serve as a bridge between campus and community. Through initiatives like this, ɫAV’s Communiversity partnership with the RVC Chamber of Commerce brings learning, creativity, and service beyond the classroom and into the heart of the village.