Rosemont College announces the opening of the Caplan African Art Collection Exhibit. The exhibit will run from January 23rd through March 3rd in the Patricia M. Nugent Art Gallery in Lawrence Hall. A public reception will take place on February 7th at 5:00pm in the gallery (snow date February 14th). This exhibition highlights the richness of African art and culture. It also demonstrates Rosemont’s commitment to culture, global education and human connection and experience through art.
The Caplan African Art Collection was a charitable gift from the Caplan family that arrived at Rosemont College in 2025. James Caplan and Karin Volkwein-Caplan donated the collection with an endowment for its continued care and community enjoyment. The gift includes 234 pieces collected by the Caplans over a lifetime. Their dedication shaped a collection filled with meaning and artistic depth. As a result, the college now preserves an important cultural legacy.
The Caplans have played an active role in the Rosemont art community for some time, including James Caplan’s 2018 “Radiant Exuberance” exhibit in the Patricia M. Nugent Gallery. Rosemont College is honored that the Caplans chose Rosemont for this collection to be studied and enjoyed for generations to come.
Thoughtful Curation & Academic Leadership
The Rosemont Cultural Heritage Gallery is led by Assistant Professor Joanne Campbell. The collection was acquired and moved with the assistance of Cultural Heritage Gallery (CHG) team members: Assistant Professor Joanne Campbell; Director of the CHG External Advisory Board, Brittney-Nix Crawford; Director of CHG Archives Chelsea Frank; Director of CHG Stewardship, Rennie Andrews and Rosemont gallery intern Tyrone Butler. Together, they curated pieces that reflect the full scope of the Caplan African Art Collection.
The exhibition was installed by Art Director and Curator of the Patricia M. Nugent Art Gallery, Michael Willse, along with his curation team, including Alison Willse and Tyrone Butler. Through their choices, the exhibit delivers meaningful educational content alongside a compelling cultural and visual presentation.
Visitors can explore works from the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additional regions are also represented. Each piece reflects the beliefs, traditions, and social life of its community. Therefore, the exhibit encourages cultural awareness and thoughtful dialogue.
Engaging the Rosemont Community
The public reception on February 7th at 5:00pm welcomes students, faculty, alumni, and community members. Among our presenters, Rosemont gallery intern Tyrone Butler will offer a few words and insights about this important exhibit. Guests will have time to view the artwork and engage in conversation. This gathering celebrates shared learning through art.
Students are already expressing enthusiasm for the exhibit. Rosemont history major Bryce Simon shared his experience, saying, “It has been a great honor to learn about and explore the complexities of these African artifacts through the Cultural Heritage Gallery.” His reflection highlights both his personal experience as well as the educational value of the Caplan African Art exhibit.
The impressive donation demonstrates a deep commitment to education and to keeping it accessible and shared. Without the efforts of James Caplan and his family, these works would not be available for study and appreciation. The Caplan African Art Collection Exhibit invites the community to learn, reflect, and connect. It stands as a meaningful addition to Rosemont academic and cultural life.
