Visiting the Marian Library at the University of Dayton (UD) can involve more than looking at books as it is also known for its collections and special exhibits. “Mary in Catholic Education,” one such exhibit currently on display, exemplifies UD and Marian Library faculty, staff and students focused on sharing Mary’s life with others.

“This exhibit really celebrates the important and evolving role of Catholic education, something that is integral to the Marianist mission,” said Kayla Harris, Director of the Marian Library.

The “Mary in Catholic Education” exhibit was curated with UD professors and education students in Professor Jennifer Adams’ course on Foundations of Literacy through Literature. Marian Library faculty and staff previously worked on exhibits with professors Mary-Kate Sableski and Adams.

“We suggested to Professor Adams that having her students co- curate an exhibit would provide a chance for in-depth exploration of the texts, and she was very eager to experiment with this project,” said Harris.

To prepare for the exhibit, last fall Professor Adams and her students explored Marian Library’s range of Marian-themed resources, such as catechisms, comic and prayer books and holy cards. Students then divided into groups and assembled pieces for the exhibit.

Harris noted that, while most of the exhibit’s pieces are from the Marian Library collection, some new artworks were also commissioned. “Cecilia Martyna is a first-year biochemistry major … who also makes chalk art and murals,” said Harris. “While chalkboards aren’t used as much in the classroom today, they definitely evoke some school nostalgia, so Cecilia created a series of five works … titled, ‘Guided by the Brilliance of Mary.’ The images feature statues of Mary that are found on UD’s campus, such as the statue of the Immaculate Conception and [statues] in the Marian Library’s collection, [which are] surrounded by bright colors that are reminiscent of stained glass.”

The “Mary in Catholic Education” exhibit also features an interactive component for visitors. “We reached out to faculty, staff, students and alumni to ask how they view Mary’s influence on Catholic education,” said Harris. “Some of these reflections are displayed on a chalkboard while the rest can be viewed on an iPad. Visitors are encouraged to leave their own reflections. It has been really great to see the various ways that individuals have reflected on their experience with Mary and Catholic education throughout their lives.”

Visitors can tour the “Mary in Catholic Education” exhibit now through June 28.

“We hope that visitors will gain a sense of the range of the Marian Library’s collections and how Mary has been incorporated in educational materials with a variety of audiences and learning goals,” said Harris. “You don’t have to be a student or an educator to connect with the Marian Library! We are open to the public and hope that visitors will be interested in returning for future exhibits and programs.”

This article appeared in the May 2024 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.