New exhibition opens Dec. 9 to celebrate 10 years of student curators at Yale Library
Since 2015, the Yale Library Student Exhibition Program has helped nearly 50 students translate their original research into visually engaging presentations for general audiences. This retrospective exhibition, “Developing a Curatorial Eye,” opening Dec. 9, celebrates these former curators and the past decade of student exhibitions displayed in Sterling Memorial Library Exhibition Corridor.
The photographs on view reveal the many steps in the behind-the-scenes processes: research, design, layout, and installation. They also reveal the rich variety of the students’ exhibition topics—from whaling logbooks, studies of color, New Haven history, and comic books to Edith Wharton, Anne Boleyn, and Janet Malcolm. In their own words, displayed throughout the exhibition, the curators reflect on the deep and lasting impact that their participation in the program has had on their lives and careers.
Join the opening event and panel discussion on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 4:30 to 6:15 pm, in the Sterling Library lecture hall. Past student curators Sarah Holder ’17, Chucho Martinez Padres ’23, and Eve Sneider ’19 will share their experiences as student-curators. Former student curator Courtney Sato ’19 Ph.D. will moderate the discussion, and a brief Q&A session will follow. Former student curators and mentors will continue the conversation over light refreshments after the event. All interested students and community members are welcome. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
“Developing a Curatorial Eye: Celebrating 10 Years of the Yale Library Student Exhibition Program” not only celebrates the scholarship and creativity of these student curators. It also highlights the many benefits of the program, which provides opportunities for Yale students to develop skills in curation, research, and exhibition production, with the close mentorship of faculty and library staff.
The exhibition will be on view through April 19.
The anniversary exhibition was curated by the members of the 2025–26 Yale Library Student Exhibition Advisory Group: co-chairs Kerri Sancomb and James Kessenides, Deborah Cannarella, Megan Czekaj, Sarah Davis, Madeleine Glennon, and Jessica Pigza.
There will be two online information sessions this month—on Wednesday, Dec. 10, and on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 12 to 1 pm—for students in the Class of 2027 who are interested in applying for the Senior Exhibit Program. Please register in advance for the Zoom session. Proposals are due on March 6.
Read more about the Senior Exhibit Program at Yale Library.
—Deborah Cannarella
Photo (left to right): Chucho Martinez Padres ’23, Anne Gross ’25 discussing layout with Exhibition Production Manager Kerri Sancomb and faculty adviser Caleb Smith, and Stephanie Tomasson ’16
