J. Hammond Trumbull Exhibition Area
The J. Hammond Trumbull Exhibition Area is located in the Watkinson Library on Level A.
Current Exhibit:
It’s for the Birds: Avian Imagery in Haitian Art from the Edith A. Graham Collection, Curated by Christina Bleyer
Birds take center stage in It’s for the Birds, an exhibition drawn from the Edith A. Graham Collection of Haitian Art. Featuring paintings and handcrafted metal wall hangings displayed in the library’s exhibit cases, the exhibition explores the prominent role birds play in Haitian artistic expression.
From brightly colored tropical scenes to intricate cut-metal works, Haitian artists have long depicted birds as symbols of beauty, freedom, spirituality, and the deep connection between people and the natural world. Whether soaring across painted landscapes or carefully rendered in metal, these avian figures showcase the creativity, craftmanship, and visual richness that characterize Haitian art.
The works in this exhibition highlight the diversity of artistic approaches found within the Edith A. Graham Collection while offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate the recurring presence of birds in Haitian culture and imagination. Together, these paintings and metal sculptures celebrate the enduring appeal of the feathered forms that inspire artists and viewers alike.
In this exhibition, being “for the birds” is something to celebrate.
