Student Exhibit Showcases the Power of Imagery to Convey Stories Beyond Words

DUBUQUE, Iowa - "Mosaic of Moments: Storytelling by Students" features a vibrant collection of visual narratives from University of Dubuque students in the ART 367 Digital Photography course, with each image acting as a distinct tile in a larger mosaic of storytelling.

"Mosaic of Moments: Storytelling by Students" is free and open to the public Monday, January 12, 2026, through Friday, February 13, 2026, at the art gallery inside Heritage Center, 2255 Bennett Street.

The exhibit features a diverse range of themes from intimate portraits and outdoor scavenger-hunt discoveries to dynamic action shots, food narratives, and event storytelling. These photographs explore the power of imagery to convey stories beyond words.

Each of the 12 students in the course were tasked with a variety of projects including Beyond the Selfie in which they created three unique self-portraits that told a story about their identity without showing their face and Moment in Motion in which they created 15 photos that challenged them to capture the energy, emotion, and dynamism of three live sporting events.

As part of the course, students had the opportunity to meet with professional photographers who shared their expertise. Those photographers were Erin LaBelle, an adjunct art instructor at Divine Word College; Stephen Gassman, a staff photographer at the Telegraph Herald; Jimmy Naprstek, owner of Kodiak Creative; David Barba, executive director of Dubuque Main Street; Adele Herman, owner of Adele Creative Co.; Briana Thompson, owner of Bri X Creative Studio; and James Sizer, owner of JA Creative Photo.

The student photographers were from a variety of majors: digital art and design, aviation, business, communication, data science, nursing, and sport marketing majors. They used the camera not just as a tool, but as a voice, capturing moments that evoke emotion, provoke thought, and celebrate the world through their eyes. Together, these works form a compelling mosaic of perspectives, creativity, and storytelling through the art of photography.

"Watching these students grow as photographers has been an absolute joy," said Sheila Sabers, MAC, head of the Department of Digital Art and Design and associate professor of digital art and design. "The variety of projects pushed them out of their comfort zones - sending them across campus and throughout the Dubuque community - and it was inspiring to see how each challenge expanded their confidence, creativity, and technical skill. Having professional photographers visit our class or welcome us into their studios added another layer of insight, and I found myself learning right alongside the students as we explored new techniques and perspectives together. I am grateful to have been part of their learning journey as they discovered new ways to tell stories through their images."

A free pre-show reception for "Mosaic of Moments: Storytelling by Students" will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, in the art gallery. Jukebox Saturday Night in conjunction with the 2026 UD Jazz Festival will begin at 7:30 p.m. that same night in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center. For more information or to purchase tickets to the performance, please visit https://www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter.

Bisignano Art Gallery hours are noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year. The gallery is also open in conjunction with all major events in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center.