Kelly Harman’s “Oppression and Resilience” exhibit at the Rachel Cooper Art Gallery opens May 1st, featuring a series of paintings and mixed media. Harman has been at Illinois State University for 20 years, where she works as an administrative aide in the Department of Psychology. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in the College Student Personnel Administration Program and a graduate certificate from the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program. She also completed a 30-credit hour program in Art Studies. Harman’s art can be appreciated as a “coming out.” Art has always been a way for her to express herself in a deeply personal and authentic way. Each piece in the exhibition is like a page from her diary, revealing her emotions in a manner that did not always feel safe. As a result, she uses mixed mediums in her artwork, depending on her mood. Her early work reflects darkness and confinement, while her more recent pieces capture the beauty of nature and everyday life. She believes in the healing power of connection and feels we must look for beauty even when it is not obvious. The exhibition is free and open to the public from May 1, 2026, to September 25, 2026, Monday through Friday during gallery hours, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The artist reception is on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 3 PM. Light refreshments will be served.If you need accommodations to attend the exhibition, please contact Jamie Anderson at jlande4@IllinoisState.edu.

Whether participants are developing a new course or refining an existing one, this course design cohort will provide the tools and frameworks needed to create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.Registration is required.

Designed for instructors who teach large classes, this hands-on workshop will help participants develop small, in-class nudges that will have a big impact on student success.Registration is required.