Capturing the Everyday

Painter Yu Cheng will wrap up her Scattergood-Moore Artist-in-Residence Program with a closing reception in the Dana Hall Art Gallery on Monday, September 30, from noon-1:30 p.m.

Cheng arrived in early September and immediately got to work. Two of the three oil paintings she’s been working are inspired by scenes from daily life on campus — one of which includes the backpacks that student often leave on the floor, “which I find to be a particularly interesting and telling detail,” Cheng said. In addition to her paintings, she’s also creating drawings that focus on the architecture found around campus, and she’s been collaborating with the ArtLAB class on a large mural project featuring a still-life tableau from the Art Studio.

“The ArtLAB students have been full of energy and vitality throughout the project, and they are truly a joy to work with,” Cheng said. “Each student brings their unique personality and style to the work, which makes the collaboration even more interesting.

“At the beginning, I approached the project with the mindset of a professional artist, hoping they would stay focused and work efficiently. However, I came to realize that for teenagers, this is a natural part of their process. During my residency, I’ve gained valuable experience in how to guide and engage with students, recognizing that each one has their own unique qualities. It has been a rewarding experience for me to adapt to their working style and see them grow throughout this journey.”

“I’ve come to realize that being a teacher is not only about imparting knowledge, but also about genuinely caring for and encouraging students, offering guidance while gently pointing out areas for improvement to help them grow.”

The Scattergood-Moore Artist-in-Residence Program was established in 2016 by a Dana Hall alumna in honor of long-time Dana art teacher Gene Scattergood-Moore to bring in up-and-coming artists to show their work and collaborate with students. Cheng is the fifth artist-in-residence to visit Dana Hall through this program.

“My interactions with the students have given me insight into how young people today manage their academic and social lives,” Cheng said. “As a Chinese national living and studying in the U.S., I feel a connection with the international students, as we share certain emotional experiences. I greatly admire their independence and resilience — leaving home at such a young age to study abroad is something I was not capable of at their age. Their determination and hard work are truly inspiring.”

Cheng is also the first exhibitor in the Dana Hall Art Gallery’s 50th anniversary season, which runs through the end of the school year. View the full list of upcoming exhibits.