Opening Reception of “absolute alternatives,” the 2026 Arts+ UMBC Faculty Exhibition, curated by Maleke Glee January 29, 2026 6PM–8PM CADVC Organized by guest curator Maleke Glee, absolute alternatives presents faculty from across UMBC whose interdisciplinary research is a form of creative practice. Inspired by the boundary-pushing spirit of the Arts+ Initiative, the exhibition proposes alternatives to defining research through absolute disciplinary categories. According to Glee: “These scholar-artists meet the present moment directly with innovative tools, materials, and methods that explore, upend or resolve unsatisfactory conditions. Here, creativity means intervening, excavating, and expanding the possibilities of practice and production inside the classroom, studio, laboratory, and beyond. These projects demonstrate what can happen when research and imagination work hand in hand, highlighting individual creative curiosities as well as collaborations connecting the University, the broader Baltimore community, and global networks.” absolute alternatives brings together faculty from across the university, as well as their UMBC student, staff, and outside collaborators, with offerings from Visual Arts, Music, Biology, the Individualized Study Program, and other disciplines. Participating Artists: Jude Agboada, Fiona Bell, Kelley Bell and Cheeky Magpie Collective, Lynn Cazabon, Lisa Cella, Mayank Chugh, Cathy Cook, Arit Emmanuela Etukudo, Eva Grandoni, Tahira Chloe Mahdi, Phillip Mann, Steven McAlpine, Lisa Moren, Edgar Reyes, Julie Sayo, Sarah Sharp, Airi Yoshioka About Maleke Glee Maleke Glee is a cultural worker, curator, writer, and professor whose practice explores the intersections of popular culture, vernacular expression, and fine art. His writing has appeared in books, exhibition catalogues, and arts journalism, and his curatorial and leadership work includes posts with the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, STABLE Arts, and The Studio Museum in Harlem. He also consults with small and mid-sized cultural institutions on strategic planning and community-based projects. This exhibition is sponsored by the UMBC Arts+ initiative. Maleke Glee, Photo: Tyra Mitchell Visitor Information For links to maps, directions, and parking information, visit: cadvc.umbc.edu/visit-us Our exhibitions and events are free and open to the public for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy. If you need specific accommodations at one of our events, whether in person or online, or to experience an exhibition, please contact CADVC at cadvc@umbc.edu or 410-455-3188 as soon as possible.
