Throughout the month of April, the visual and written works of late artist, writer, activist and community member janet jai have adorned the main hall of Heinz Memorial Chapel. These “PoemArts”, as jai described them, blend visual arts and written word to express themes of identity, activism and nature. This exhibition, “Poetry in Vision & Voice” serves as a part of the chapel’s larger mission of connecting with the Pittsburgh community.

Heinz Chapel is always looking for new ways to connect with and show appreciation for the student body. Brynne Luketic, who has served as the guest services and events coordinator at Heinz Chapel since July 2024, works to forge a stronger sense of community between the chapel and students. She curated the current “Poetry in Vision & Voice” exhibit on display in the chapel for the month of April.

In researching different upcoming events, celebrations or commemorations that the chapel could incorporate in its 2025 programming, Luketic learned that National Poetry Month is celebrated every year in April. Coincidentally, upon thinking of ways to honor this month at the chapel, Luketic received a message from the partner of janet jai.

“April, being National Poetry Month, first came to my attention while I was researching notable dates, events, and birthdays connected to the chapel’s history,” Luketic said. “Just a few days later, we received an unexpected and touching email from the partner of janet jai. In his message, he shared a heartfelt tribute to jai and the lasting impression she left on those around her. She had recently passed away, and he felt moved to donate one of her unique PoemArts to the chapel.”

jai was an active member of the Pittsburgh community, often presenting her work at local venues and engaging with other local artists as a part of the Pittsburgh Poetry Exchange. jai worked in communications for the University of Pittsburgh from 1982 to 1996, and during her time on campus, she felt a special connection to Heinz Chapel. 

Upon receiving the donation of one of jai’s PoemArts, Luketic worked with her partner to curate a wider exhibit, displaying a total of 18 works to celebrate National Poetry Month.

“This was my first time curating any kind of exhibit, so the process was a new experience for me. With guidance from her partner and a thoughtful consideration of the Chapel’s unique space the exhibit began to take shape organically,” Luketic said. “The Chapel’s architecture, light and atmosphere almost became part of the exhibit itself, turning the space into a large-scale PoemArt in its own right. It felt less like assembling an exhibit and more like revealing something that was meant to be there all along.”

Reflecting on her experience curating this exhibition, Luketic feels that celebrating National Poetry Month encourages visitors to experience new forms of artistic expression. 

“National Poetry Month gives us the chance to celebrate this form of expression, honor poets like janet jai, and encourage people, especially students, to see the beauty and power of poetry in their everyday lives,” Luketic said. “It’s about bringing art and reflection to the forefront and reminding people of the ways poetry can shape, move and inspire us all.”

Community members who visited the chapel saw this vision of a space for artistic reflection come to life. The display allowed for visitors to interact with the works, holding them up to the light that pours through the chapel’s stained glass windows, bringing another dimension to jai’s words. Bethany Tome, a sophomore studying speech-language pathology and music, specifically appreciated being able to interact with the display as it helped her see the ways in which jai’s works meshed with the chapel.

“While I did not know who jai was before visiting the chapel, I enjoyed reading her words and their accompanying art pieces,” Tome said. “The way that the designs from the stained glass windows were integrated into the display through light reflections brought the experience to life for me.”  

Another student, Mia Bradshaw, a senior psychology major and Korean studies minor on the occupational studies track, was glad to see that jai’s work continues to impact audiences. 

“It is amazing to see [jai’s] work still being shared today, along with her dedication to the monuments in Pittsburgh and how she shared them through her writing,” Bradshaw said. 

Overall, Luketic sees the exhibition as a meaningful representation of the chapel’s goal to provide a space for education. She hopes that jai’s impact on the Pittsburgh community can continue to live on through the display of her donated PoemArts.

“The chapel was built as a space for reflection and inspiration. Every detail inside, from the stained glass to the stone carvings, supports the chapel’s theme — the spiritual values in education,” Luketic said. “Just as our windows feature figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Emily Dickinson, Mozart and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, janet jai now joins that legacy as a local artist and educator whose work reflects the deep connection between art, spirituality and learning.”

Jai’s PoemArts will be on display throughout the month of April during the chapel’s regular visiting hours — Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.