Cassidy Yurkovic
Staff Writer
On Sept. 11, 2025, Millersville University’s Eckert Art Gallery hosted its opening reception for “Equinox: At the End and In the Middle.” This exhibition was curated by Morgan Hobbs, an artist based in Philadelphia. Hobbs selected a variety of pieces from professional artists to represent the fall equinox, which occurred on Sept. 22. Featured artists included: Bambi Alder, Natessa Amin, Elizabeth Johnson, Melanie Johnson, Monique Muse, Addison Namnoum, Sarah Peoples, Michele Pierson, and SK Reed. The artwork was diverse in mediums, including oil painting, sculpture, collage, and photography.
During the opening reception, there was a gallery talk in which Hobbs talked about the meaning of equinox and its relationship to art. Since the autumn equinox provides approximately equal amounts of day and night, Hobbs explained the importance of balance during this time as a shared human experience.
Elizabeth Johnson, Natessa Amin, Sarah Peoples, and Monique Muse were present at the show to discuss their individual artwork. Specifically, Johnson presented her abstract oil paintings and explained her artistic process. She notes using Adobe Photoshop to distort her reference photos and scraping paint off the canvas to adjust the direction of the project. Amin introduced her acrylic and gouache painting, called “Held in Balance”, and Peoples displayed her still life sculptures that emphasized America’s “dead mall” shopping centers. In addition, Muse discussed themes of balance and transition with her wooden sculpture of a rocking chair, called “5912 Rocker”.
Many students and community members attended the opening reception and gallery talk. “Equinox: At the End and In the Middle” is on display until Nov. 14, and the Eckert Art Gallery is free to visit in the Winter Visual & Performing Arts Center. If you are in need of some balance, check out this installation of works that will leave you both grounded and inspired.
