Special Events and Receptions

  • 9/2 Best E - An Exhibition of the Work of Edvin Yegir

    Best E

    An Exhibition of the Work of Edvin Yegir

    Contemporary Art Galleries

    Art & Art History Department

    830 Bolton Road

    2 September – 12 December 2022

    Opening Reception: Friday 2 September 6–9PM

    An exhibition on the professional, activist and pedagogical work of Professor Edvin Yegir (1963–2021) who taught Design at the University of Connecticut Art & Art History Department for over twenty years will be on display in the Contemporary Art Galleries during the 2022 Autumn term. Professor Yegir obtained his MFA from Yale University and created an incredible body of work through his studio, Typotopia, that was recognized internationally. Professor Yegir was a brilliant designer, a masterful typographer, a gifted educator, and a compassionate activist whose work spanned areas of print, digital and environmental. Professor Yegir believed in design as a tool for positive change and growth, and used it to forge design committed to promoting social justice. He was dedicated to ideals of peace and equality, and pursued simplicity in all things. His classrooms were collaborations; communities in which students from across the years have commented on how overwhelmingly positive the environment he created was; how he critiqued with the kindest grace. He took great joy in teaching and wrote exceptional briefs that were challenging while remaining interpretive; connecting student's lives and experiences to the larger world; synthesizing ideals with reality, imbuing students with the confidence, skills and belief that they could indeed be a voice for positive change. He frequently concluded his briefs with inspiration “We are spending significant & valuable moments of our lives making design. Let’s make them as brilliant as we can. Enjoy & be passionate about what you think & make.” Reflecting on Professor Yegir’s influence one alumni comment: "Edvin gave me a lovely new perspective — not only in which to view art & design, but life itself. That's a broad statement, I know. But it's the greatest gift anyone could ever give. And he gave it graciously. His patience was saintly, and his simplicity and clarity were liberating."

    For more information, contact: Art + Art History Dept. at 860-486-1599