For Immediate Release
May 1, 2026

Suffolk County Community College’s Lyceum Gallery Presents Spring 2026 Student Art Exhibition: Foundations: Art Is Good for You

uffolk County Community College is proud to announce its Spring 2026 Student Art Exhibition, Foundations: Art Is Good for You, on view through May 18, 2026, at the Lyceum Gallery on the college’s Eastern Campus.

Curated by Annemarie Waugh, this juried exhibition showcases a dynamic range of student work across disciplines, including painting, drawing, photography, digital art, animation, and both 2D and 3D design. The exhibition highlights the creativity, technical skill, and conceptual thinking of Suffolk’s emerging artists.

An opening reception will be held on Monday, May 4, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., where guests are invited to meet the artists and celebrate their achievements. Refreshments will be served courtesy of The Baker’s Workshop.

This year’s exhibition is honored to feature Gianna Volpe of The Heart of the East End on WLIW-FM (88.3 / 88.7 / 96.9) as the guest juror. Awards will be presented to outstanding student artists, including First Place ($300), Second Place ($150), and Third Place ($100).

Foundations: Art Is Good for You underscores the essential role of art in personal and collective well-being. Artistic practice fosters creativity, strengthens critical thinking, and provides a meaningful outlet for emotional expression. Research continues to demonstrate that engaging with art can reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and promote a sense of joy and balance.

Through both the creation and appreciation of art, individuals gain tools to process complex emotions, build empathy, and connect with others. The creative process also encourages innovative thinking, often leading to a state of “flow”—a deeply immersive experience where focus is heightened and distractions fade. These moments illustrate art’s profound capacity to support mental health, inspire new ideas, and strengthen community.

 About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 26,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With approximately

145,000 alumni, Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school to college and into careers.