Meet Alyssa Imes at the unveiling of her public sculpture, "Chill Bloom." This work was selected through an open call in Spring 2023 organized by undergraduate students enrolled in Abigail McEwen’s Public Art course. The class invited submissions that addressed the concerns and challenges facing college students today, seeking works that inspired play and joy. This initiative is supported by Arts for All, the UMD Department of Art History & Archaeology, the UMD Art Gallery and the Dedalus Foundation.

About Chill Bloom
College can be stressful at times and in those times I wished that I had a place to be safe and sheltered. Chill Bloom references UMD school colors. It is hammock-like in nature, which gives the viewer a safe place to lie, sit or rest. Referencing the shape of a blooming tulip, it reflects early spring and the eagerness of tulips to be among the first flowers to bloom. Just like tulips, college students are eager and ready for a fresh start at their studies and college experience. Chill Bloom is my way of giving students and staff a safe and relaxing place to recharge.

Chill Bloom is located outdoors at the corner of Campus Drive and Preinkert Drive and will be on view throughout the 2023-24 academic year.

About NextNOW Fest

Started in 2014, The Clarice’s annual NextNOW Fest is an inspiring arts experience that celebrates imagination, creativity and community. By amplifying the voices of intriguing, inventive artists from around campus and our community, NextNOW Fest creates a forward-looking microcosm where art transforms our future and connects us all.

NextNOW Fest is a signature event in University of Maryland's Arts for All initiative, which leverages the combined power of the arts, technology and social justice to address the grand challenges of our time.

VIEW FULL 2023 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Funding

NextNOW Fest is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Additional support is provided by Terps After Dark and the University of Maryland's Arts for All initiative. NextNOW Fest's Silent Disc-Glo event is supported by UMD's Student Entertainment Events; and the Vital Signs Mini-Grants Showcase is supported by the Venable Foundation and Pepsi.