Honors College to Sponsor Campus Art Exhibit

The opening of an art exhibit that captures the European travels of a Duquesne Honors College student is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14, at 5:15 p.m.

A documentary, An Adventure for Inspiration: Rediscovering the Creative Process Through the Grand Tour, was produced by Josef DiPietrantonio, an Honors College Endowed Fellow in Liberal Arts and a math major, with project partner Liza Torrence. They traveled across Europe, exploring by skateboard cities such as Rome, Venice, Florence, Saltzburg and Berlin, sketching and shooting video along the way. The trip was intended as a contemporary version of the 18th-century “Grand Tour,” the traditional journey a nobleman took after completing his education.

“In the Honors College, we strive to make study abroad possible for all students,” said Dr. Kathleen Glenister Roberts, director of the Honors College. “It’s crucial to gaining the global perspectives they need to solve problems as future leaders and professionals.

“Josef’s project is special because he modeled his travels on a classic humanities experience—the Grand Tour—and was intentionally interdisciplinary. This essentially remodels the Grand Tour for the 21st century,” Roberts added.

The exhibit is open to the campus and surrounding community. “Everyone, from undergraduates who are considering international study to very seasoned travelers, will be inspired by Josef’s experiences,” Roberts said.

The event will begin with a video presentation in Room 104, College Hall. The exhibit will be on display for a month in Les Idees Gallery of the Union.