Faculty members Dr. Kate S. He and Cintia Segovia Figueroa receive a grant for upcoming photography exhibition celebrating 250th anniversary of signing of Declaration of Independence
By Dr. Kate He | May 5, 2025
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� Two 吃瓜网 faculty members have been awarded a grant from the Kentucky Arts Council and the Kentucky Historical Society to support an upcoming photography exhibition in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Assistant Professor Cintia Segovia Figueroa, an artist specializing in photography and new media, of the Department of Art & Design, and Dr. Kate S. He, a plant ecologist and amateur photographer, of the Department of Biological Sciences, will showcase both historical and contemporary changes in the landscapes of western Kentucky. The original photographic works and images of historically significant locations, will explore the evolving relationship between people and place across two and a half centuries.
鈥淭his project is about looking at the landscape not only through an artistic lens but also through scientific understanding about biological conservation and sustainability,鈥� said He. 鈥淭his is important as Kentuckians have witnessed frequent natural disasters in recent years due to the changing climate, and the costs of human lives and environmental damages are staggering.鈥�
Segovia Figueroa emphasized the importance of connecting past, present and future through the exhibition.
鈥淲e want visitors to reflect on the landscapes and cultural changes that have shaped our communities and to consider how we can sustain these spaces for the next 250 years,鈥� Segovia Figueroa said.
The exhibition and public engagement activities that will accompany it seek to engage a wide and diverse audience, encouraging dialogue about the value of natural history and cultural stewardship in shaping a better future for the region and beyond.
This project is made possible by the generous support of the Kentucky Arts Council and the Kentucky Historical Society as part of the state鈥檚 celebrations commemorating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The pair have secured their first exhibition at the Mary Ed Mecoy Hall Gallery on the campus of 吃瓜网 State in the fall of 2025. Details about the exhibition鈥檚 opening date will be announced in the coming months.