November 12 celebration will highlight the Troy University Legacy Collection, an exhibition by Susan Nomberg McCollough and a decade of artistic collaboration

Troy University’s International Arts Center (IAC) will celebrate its 10th anniversary this November, marking a decade of artistic discovery, cultural exchange and community engagement.

Since opening in 2016, the IAC has grown into a vibrant cultural destination, connecting the university and surrounding community through exhibitions, educational programs, performances and special events. The anniversary celebration on Thursday, November 12, will feature the unveiling of the Troy University Legacy Collection in the Foyer Gallery and celebrate “Artistic Expression of Dreams,” an exhibition by artist Susan Nomberg McCollough in the Nall Museum & Gallery.

The Troy University Legacy Collection recognizes the artists, alumni, collectors, donors and supporters whose work and generosity have helped shape the University’s artistic heritage. Formerly part of the University’s ongoing collection efforts, the initiative now has a unified identity and renewed focus on expanding through future donations and partnerships. The inaugural presentation will include works by Woodi Ishmael, Sergei Shillabeer, Mike Howard, Janet Nolan and Fred “Nall” Hollis, along with alumni artists Madison Faile, Kitty Smothers and Hope Brannon.

The milestone also celebrates 10 years of the Department of Art & Design’s Huo Bao Zhu Gallery. Since opening alongside the IAC in 2016, the gallery has provided exhibition opportunities for students, faculty, alumni and visiting artists through thesis exhibitions, faculty showcases and special presentations. Together, the IAC and the Huo Bao Zhu Gallery have helped establish Troy as an important destination for artistic exploration and cultural experiences.

Collaboration has been central to the IAC’s growth. Partnerships across campus, including the Department of Art & Design’s Artist-in-Residence program, bring professional artists to campus to share their practices, work with students and faculty, and engage the broader community. Other initiatives, including ArtSPARK, a free family art program, and Trojan Junior Warriors, a multicultural experience for local fifth-grade students, extend the Center’s educational and outreach efforts throughout the region.

As it looks toward its next decade, the IAC is introducing a new campaign: Discover. Create. Connect. The three-part message reflects the Center’s commitment to encouraging audiences to discover new ideas and perspectives, explore their own creativity, and connect with art, culture and one another. It also builds on the IAC’s vision of creating meaningful experiences that extend beyond the galleries and into the community.

“For me, it has been an incredible honor to be part of the International Arts Center’s journey over the past decade,” said Carrie Jaxon, Director and Curator of the IAC. “What began as a building housing an extraordinary collection of world-class art has grown into a thriving cultural hub for our university and community. We have created opportunities for people of all ages to discover art, explore different cultures, connect with artists and one another, and experience the unexpected. Through collaborations across campus and throughout our community, we continue to expand what the arts can mean for our university and region. I am excited about what the next ten years will bring.”

The IAC will also mark its actual anniversary date on Wednesday, Nov. 4, with a special day of activities in the Foyer Gallery. The public and university community are invited to stop by between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to enjoy refreshments, participate in a workshop and celebrate the occasion.

The Nov. 12 celebration will offer an opportunity to recognize the artists, partners, students and community members who have shaped the IAC’s first decade while looking ahead to its future. The public and Troy University community are invited to join the free celebration and explore all that the International Arts Center has to offer.