Introducing Rowan University Museum of Contemporary Art

The College of the Arts welcomed invited faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to a ribbon cutting event on March 12 unveiling the reenvisioned Rowan University Museum of Contemporary Art (RUMOCA). Formerly the Rowan University Art Gallery & Museum, RUMOCA’s new name reflects its continued growth and focus on contemporary art, expanded programming and service to the Rowan community and the broader South Jersey region.

“Today we are celebrating our vision and mission and recognizing that we are a thriving arts destination and cultural anchor for our region,” said Mary Salvante, museum director and chief curator during her opening remarks.

In partnership with the Ric Edelman College’s Women and Gender Studies program, the event also celebrated the reopening of the Westby Hall gallery space, home to the landmark feminist installation The Sister Chapel (1974-1978). Created at the height of the women’s art movement, the historic collaboration was created by thirteen female artists to depict a “hall of fame” of women’s achievements presented from the female perspective. Paired with the West High Street gallery location, the reopening of the Westby Hall space brings RUMOCA’s two locations together under one identity.

“In our college, we talk about going ‘Arts 1’ and what it means to be a top-level, national university…and that is exactly what we are celebrating today,” said College of the Arts Dean Rick Dammers, in reference to Rowan University's goal to reach Research 1 (R1) status. Dammers also referenced the cultural and economic impact destinations like RUMOCA have on the surrounding region.

Guests were invited to explore RUMOCA’s collection, a series of floor-to-ceiling painted canvases depicting Joan of Arc, Bella Abzug, Frida Kahlo and other female figures from history. In honor of Women’s History Month and a nod to the new name, RUMOCA partnered with Glassboro’s High Grounds Coffee to create a limited edition blend, using the coffee as a medium for storytelling that reflects the women-centered themes in the collection while honoring the female farmers who harvested the beans. Created by Death of the Fox Brewing Company, the blend combines Mexican beans with milk chocolate notes and Ethiopian beans with a lighter roast.

RUMOCA at 301 High Street presents curated exhibitions by professional contemporary artists alongside public and educational programming. The museum has presented a number of group and solo exhibitions by internationally recognized artists including Mel Chin, Joyce Kozloff, Ebony Patterson, vanessa german and others. Curated by art history professor Dr. Andrew D. Hottle, RUMOCA West at Westby Hall features curated selections from the 450 works of fine art from the permanent collection. With an emphasis on American women artists, the cornerstone of the collection is The Sister Chapel.

Founded in 2011, RUMOCA serves as a cultural destination for South Jersey, the Rowan community and has been recognized with a Citation of Excellence from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Through exhibitions, artists talks and public programming, alongside a growing permanent collection, the museum presents diverse forms of contemporary art that are relevant and timely, collaborating with academic departments across the University to develop new programming.