‘Nothing to See Here’: The UAG Commemorates its temporary closing with a party After-Hours

Thursday night gave the non-art students a chance to explore the gallery. With screenings of different art pieces, a photo shoot space and a caricature artist, the Pittsburgh community got an open invitation to see all that the University Art Gallery has to offer. The UAG, housed in the Frick Fine Arts Building, hosted “Nothing to See Here: After-Hours Party” on April 16 to commemorate the temporary closing of the gallery for renovations until 2027. 

The space was decorated as if it were an underground club — speed limit and construction signs that looked like they were taken from the street, graffiti on the walls, black lights and a DJ performing under scaffolding draped with orange mesh. The decor leaned into the vibe of a secret location, while hinting at the fact that the building will soon be under construction for renovations.

The new atmosphere of the UAG gave students an opportunity to explore the space in a new light. Madelyn Palmer, a first-year chemical engineering major, felt warmly welcomed into the gallery, this being the first time they had ever been to an event hosted by the UAG.

“You’ll find something for everyone here,” Palmer said. “I’ve seen a bunch of different art types, but also you kind of just feel interconnected with everyone, even if you don’t know them. You just feel like we’re sharing [each] a sense together of what the gallery means to [us].” 

The UAG displayed multiple art pieces through a photography collage covering every wall before the rotunda. This exhibit gave attendees a chance to see what the gallery has to offer and granted them a small glimpse into the world of art critique. The staff provided eventgoers with stickers that displayed different emotions, letting people share what they thought of each piece. Attendees gathered around the art to converse, taking their time in the first room of the space. The variety of the pieces drew Palmer in. 

“I think it’s a great space. There’s a lot of artwork, a lot of diversity and it’s just a really fun place to be,” Palmer said. 

The art students were given space to perform in the outdoor space of the fine arts building. A few students put on a live show for party-goers. One act included performers dressed in white and adorned with wigs covering themselves in paint. Another featured performer was tangled in a strand of red LED lights while doing an interpretive dance. 

Students expressed their love for art through a costume competition. The UAG hosted a contest for attendees, with a chance to win a prize, encouraging attendees to dress up as their favorite art pieces. Deirdre Smith, a resident of Squirrel Hill and Teaching Assistant Professor of museum studies and art history at Pitt, was appointed costume judge for the night. She believes the event was a huge success for the gallery. 

“It’s incredible,” Smith said. “I think the turnout is amazing. It’s so nice to see so many students here having fun.”

With this being the commencement event for the current version of the UAG, the staff went out with a bang. Community members from all over Pittsburgh came to visit the gallery for its last show before its temporary closing. Whether they were dancing as the DJ spun electric beats or chatting with other party-goers, the event was filled with commotion. Although it was a vibrant environment, the meaning behind the event was bittersweet for Anuja Kumbhardare, a senior majoring in Museum studies, classics, and HR.

“I feel so sad,” Kumbhardare said. “As a senior, it feels somewhat symbolic because as I’m leaving the gallery is also leaving. But I’m happy to know that it will be back at some point for future students.”

The UAG’s doors will reopen in late 2027 after renovations are complete, hence the construction-inspired theme of the ceremony. Kumbhardare had some insight into what the atmosphere might be like once the UAG finally reenters the public sphere.

“Good things, great things. The team who works here is amazing, so it’s always going to be amazing,” Kumbhardare said.