Did you know that Fairfield University’s library offers a list of “pay as you wish” free museums and attractions? They also offer free and discounted passes to museums and galleries! I decided to take advantage of this and spent a day at the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven. There’s so much to see in New Haven, and the galleries are just a few of the many things to do. I brought along a friend, and we explored two fantastic exhibitions: Year of the Dragon and The Dance of Life: Figure and Imagination in American Art, 1876-1917.
The Year of the Dragon exhibition was a stunning dive into how dragons are portrayed across cultures. In Western tradition, dragons are often seen as fearsome, fire-breathing creatures, but in East Asian folklore, they symbolize power and blessings, bringing rain and celestial protection. The exhibition featured nearly 30 works, ranging from the 17th century to modern times, including intricate textiles, ceramics and woodblock prints. Seeing the dragon’s evolution through different mediums and time periods was eye-opening. It made me appreciate the richness of East Asian mythology and how it continues to inspire contemporary art.
After exploring the world of dragons, I spent a lot of time in The Dance of Life, which looks at American art between 1876 and 1917, right after the Civil War. This period of intense change saw artists using the human figure to explore the nation’s evolving identity. The exhibition features over 100 works, from sketches to sculptures and highlights both well-known artists like John Singer Sargent and underappreciated figures like Meta Warrick Fuller. What really drew me in was how these works captured moments of creative exploration. The exhibition felt intimate because you could see the early stages of monumental public works—sketches that later turned into murals for libraries and capitol buildings.
One section of the exhibition that stood out to me focused on the passage of time. I was particularly drawn to pieces visualizing different hours of the day, using figures and movement. The dancers, even in their unfinished states, felt full of life. A wall text summed up the exhibition perfectly: “Vital Energy; the essence of the American Renaissance is an affirmation of life. Beneath the monumental murals and sculptures rushes the brisk vitality of preparatory works, in which artists invested great effort, reflected in their publishing, exhibiting and preserving them.” Seeing these early drafts and preparatory sketches made me appreciate the process behind creating such monumental works of art.
Overall, my visit was both inspiring and thought-provoking. The exhibitions offer something for everyone—whether you’re drawn to mythological creatures or American history, there’s plenty to explore. After visiting the galleries, I recommend checking out the nearby cafes and stores. My personal favorite was Atticus, a charming bookstore and café right across the street from the gallery. If you haven’t used Fairfield’s library resources, I highly recommend grabbing a friend and visiting one of these incredible institutions. You never know what kind of art will spark your interest!
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